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SEC JNO COPY, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


Chap., Copyright No. 

(pZZ P 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





Ill I’ inmmny itself lay revealed before me . — Page 8. 


The Prince of Gravas 


A Story of the Past 


Alfred C. Fleckenstein, a. b., b. s. 


PHILADELPHIA 

GEORGE W. JACOBS & CO. 
(898 


y-ZX. p 


35615 


Copyright, 1898, by 
George W, Jacobs & Co» 



,Va , 


PREFACE 


S EVERAL years ago while traveling abroad, we 
spent some time in roaming through the less 
frequented parts of Germany. One day, after 
having wandered quite a distance from our inn, we 
were caught in a thunder-storm. After some search, 
we came upon a rather sequestered, ruinous-looking 
castle. We were not only hospitably received, but had 
the good fortune to make the acquaintance of its owner, 

the Baron von . We shall not soon forget the 

evening that followed, nor the strange, spectral aspect 
of the dimly candle-lit room, with its dingy, armorial 
decorations, old rusty suits of armor that had probably 
stood there since the building of the castle. Nor still 
less the strange, weird tale of our host, that made us 
almost forget the raging storm without, except when 
some blast, more fierce than the rest, made the castle 
shake to its very foundations. That story, which the 
reader is about to hear, shall be told to him even as 
we heard it, from our host’s own lips. 


8 




The Stoiy the Baron Told 


CHAPTER I 

P erhaps it may seem strange to you, 
perfect strangers, that I should make a 
confidant of you, but after the strange 
experience of the morning, I feel as if I must 
talk to some one, or I should go mad. My 
only natural request is that you should keep 
my identity and that of my castle a secret. I 
have long been a student of those strange, 
unseen powers which the world calls occult, 
and to-day I have had, indeed, a most thrilling, 
a most wonderful experience. 

You have, no doubt, heard of that faculty, 
which is gradually being recognized by the 
world under the name of Psychometry, that 
faculty, hitherto ridiculed, which is capable of 
perceiving the past existence or life of a body 
through mere contact with it. 

Among my other studies I have naturally 
followed this also. Sometime ago, wishing to 
follow this line more particularly, I wrote to a 


6 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


friend of mine, residing in the Capital, request- 
ing him to send me a collection of objects, 
of whose past history I was ignorant. His 
collection was a most curious one, and my inves- 
tigations with it proved highly satisfactory. 
Probably, the most striking member of the col- 
lection was a gigantic mummy. Where my 
friend procured it, I do not know. Its reception 
occasioned mingled surprise and amusement, 
and I finally determined to keep it as a curios- 
ity. The original owner of it must have been 
a magnificient specimen of manhood, for the 
shrunken mummy, as it lay in its box, was over 
six feet tall, and it must have shortened several 
inches. After placing it in my study, I ceased 
to give it much attention, being engaged with 
the other articles of the collection. 

Yesterday evening, after having finished 
my work for the day, I was sitting in my study. 
The sun had just gone down. I had watched 
it from my open window. I had watched the 
light fade and die away, and it reminded me 
forcibly of the lives of men. How they die, 
leaving a bright name behind them like the 
after-glow of the sunset, and then, how their 
memories grow dim, until the twilight steals 
on, and they are forgotten. With a start I 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


7 


broke from my reflections, to discover that my 
gaze was riveted upon the casket of the 
mummy. I could not take it away, try as I 
would, I could think of nothing else. Pres- 
ently, I found myself making vague conjectures 
concerning the body within it. Whence came it ? 
To what civilization did it belong ? How was 
it torn from its last resting-place, and sent to 
satisfy the idle gaze of the curious ? Suddenly 
the thought flashed into my mind, why not 
Psychometrize it, and so learn its past ? I no 
longer doubted the truth of my investigations ; 
past experiments had dispelled doubt. It 
was then too late to begin, so I postponed 
action until the morning. For the rest of the 
evening I could think of nothing else, and, 
finally, retired to rest. 

This morning, immediately after breakfast, 
I began making preparations. My head serv- 
ant, Wilhelm, to whom such things were not 
new, had orders to preserve the strictest 
silence in the castle for the remainder of the 
day, and to prepare my study. The ventila- 
tion and illumination were carefully arranged, 
and, after the necessary preparation of my 
person, I entered the study. Then I began to 
unwrap the mummy. Covering after covering. 


8 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


wrapping after wrapping, were unwound ; the 
air was filled with a strong smell of spices, and 
finally the mummy itself lay revealed before 
me. Its appearance, indeed, justified my con- 
ception of its heroic size. In life, its owner 
must have belonged to a race of giants, or have 
been a king among men. I examined it more 
closely and my attention was attracted to the 
skull, upon the side of which was a broad scar, 
or wound of some kind, over which, however, 
the scalp seemed to have healed. It attracted 
my attention, because I could not but think 
that the blow which inflicted it must have 
crushed a less strong skull. 

After waiting until the disturbed dust had 
settled, I arranged myself opposite to the body 
and with my eyes gazing fixedly at the dead face, 
I began operations. Gradually the objects 
around assumed a hazy aspect. My thoughts 
began to run riot ; nothing was fixed or con- 
stant, save the dead man’s face. Then I was no 
longer conscious of anything save that. The 
face grew until it filled the whole field of my 
vision ; it became so large that I could no 
longer see it as a whole. Then I was no 
longer conscious of anything. I must have 
slept. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


9 


Gradually I became conscious of some 
rhythmic sounds ; they had a strange way of 
swelling out, and then dying away. In some 
way I realized it must be a religious chant, and 
soon I felt I was standing in a great hall ; and, 
in the presence of a great multitude, the ritual 
for the dead was being performed. Vaguely I 
realized, too, that I was in some way concerned. 
On my right, and in the middle of the great 
hall was a throne, and upon it was seated a 
young woman of wonderful beauty. She was 
clad in rich garments of mourning, and from 
time to time arose, in response to some solicita- 
tion on the part of a man, who was apparently 
the high priest, whereupon the multitude pros- 
trated themselves. He stood upon a raised 
platform, directly in front of me, and the bier 
w/th the dead lay before him. 

The strange monotonous chanting still 
proceeded, seemingly to come from every- 
where, and yet i could notice no one singing 
I looked around me. On my right hand was a 
man to whom I instinctively had a feeling of 
aversion. He was tall and of hne physique. 
His hair was of the deepest black. The lower 
part of the face was covered with a pointed 
beard of the same color ; his face somehow 


lO 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


had a decidedly sinister look, and once, when 
he turned and looked in my direction, I 
marveled that eyes could look so evilly. 
His attire, like my own, was princely in its 
elegance, though both were of the same sombre 
hue that pervaded the place. I noticed, tooi 
upon the other side of the hall, opposite to 
where we stood, a considerable number of 
men, whom from their attire I judged to be 
nobles ; while in the center, surrounding the 
Queen, were double rows of priests. On my 
left, at some distance from us, and extending 
from one side of the hall to the other, were 
several files of soldiers in a familiar uniform. 
Behind them, in the background, stood a 
dense multitude of people. 

Suddenly the chanting ceased, and the 
priests slowly and solemnly approached the 
bier, and bore it away, while the multitude 
gave way to lamentations. Then the Queen 
arose, and in a loud voice called upon the 
Prince of Gravas to come and swear fealty to 
her. The tall dark-haired man beside me arose 
and knelt before her. I watched him, while 
the name continued to ring in my ear. The 
Prince of Gravas ! the Prince of Gravas ! How 
familiar it seemed. He had just kissed her 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


II 


hand, and she had proclaimed him the new 
Prince of Gravas. 

Suddenly, like a flash of light, it dawned 
upon me. No longer was my mind clouded. 
Now I knew what that name meant ; I knew 
why we were here. I knew that the dead man, 
over whom the last rites had just been recited, 
was my father, and he who stood beside me, 
and whom the Queen had just made Prince — 
yes, and who was now coming toward me, was 
— my brother. As clearly as if it had just hap- 
pened, I remembered our quarrel of two years 
ago, and how he, with his lying smile, had 
turned my father against me. And I, too proud 
to ask even for justice, had gone into the wars 
then just beginning, and won much glory. For 
though but a youth, I was exceedingly strong, 
being gifted beyond my fellow-men. And how, 
when I returned, a friend of my father’s, Lord 
Zelad, had welcomed me into his household, 
and so, for two years, I had dwelt among 
strangers, an outcast from my own. 

I thought of all this when he came up and 
looked scornfully at me with his evil black eyes, 
and I looked back defiance at him. 

He made as if he would speak, but he 
thought better and passed on, and I slowly fob 


12 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


lowed him. For my mind was sorely wrought, 
and I marked but little whither my steps led 
me. At length I stood in the open air, and 
presently Lord Zelad joined me. He bade me 
accompany him, as he wished to speak with 
me. He motioned to his company and we 
started toward his quarters. Presently we left 
the temple and found ourselves in the less fre- 
quented streets. Here Lord Zelad took my 
arm and, observing caution, began to speak to 
me in a lowered tone. He told me that the 
day after my father’s death the Queen had sent 
for him, and, after pledging him to secrecy, had 
solicited his assistance. She had grave reason 
to fear that treason was at work among some 
of her powerful subjects. She needed certain 
information, which must be obtained at con- 
siderable risk. To obtain this, a man of 
unquestionable courage and fidelity was needed. 
She had asked him for such a man. And Lord 
Zelad asked me if I wished to accept such an 
undertaking. The danger of it was great, and 
it might bring me in fresh disfavor with my 
brother, the present Prince of Gravas. With 
his newly acquired position, he had now become 
no small power at court. Furthermore, he 
warned me if I allowed my errand to be dis- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


13 


covered I must expect to be disavowed by the 
Queen. “ Now, Almar,” he went on, laying his 
hand affectionately upon my arm, “ you must 
know that I care greatly for you and am loath 
to send your father’s son on such an errand ; 
yet the Queen’s need is great, and if you are 
successful, be assured you will not go unre- 
warded.” 

By this time we had almost reached our 
quarters and I hastily reviewed his suggestion. 
I was weary of doing nothing, and in a mind to 
grasp at anything that promised adventure. 
Moreover, though my father had, for all I knew, 
passed away without sending me his forgive- 
ness, yet I knew he would have spurned one of 
the house of Gravas who had held back when 
the Queen was in need. So revolving these 
things in my mind, I made him aware of my 
willingness to do the Queen’s bidding. He 
embraced me cordially and bade me present 
myself, without further loss of time, to the 
Queen. Giving me some further directions, 
we parted, he toward his quarters and 1 to 
the Queen. 


CHAPTER II 


P RESENTLY I found myself approaching 
the palace. I did not enter at the main 
gate, but, obedient to Lord Zelad’s 
directions, I turned and sought a less promi- 
nent entrance, to which he had directed me. I 
soon discovered it, and, after being examined 
by the guard, was allowed to enter. This part 
of the palace was strange to me, though I had 
sometimes visited the Court before that unfor- 
tunate quarrel with my brother. Lord Zelad 
had bidden me station myself near a certain 
window, and wait until some one came for me. 

My position was a rather concealed one, 
and I could easily watch the inmates as they 
passed through the gates. The women of the 
castle would stop to chat merrily with the 
guards. After a while, I grew weary of watch- 
ing them, and then I fell to thinking of the 
Queen, and what she wanted of me. I remem- 
bered quite well the day my father had been 
chosen regent, to reign for the Queen, then 

14 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


5 


but a little girl, and I thought how faithfully he 
had performed his trust, and how often the 
little Queen would grow angry when she might 
not have her own way, and stamp her tiny foot, 
for even then she was a wilful little creature 
who would stop at nothing to win her end. 
Though she could not help loving my father, 
yet ofttimes she vexed him sorely with her 
whims. But for some months past, during 
which time he had, through his illness, been 
unable to come to Court, she had taken the 
reins in her own hands and had held them not 
unwisely. 

Here I chanced to raise my eyes to an 
upper window of the castle, and discovered a 
young woman, who was evidently trying to 
attract my attention. Finding she had caught 
my eye, she laughed saucily, and nodded to 
me. Now, indeed, I have ever preferred the 
field to the Court, and had but small acquaint- 
ance with the ways of women, especially such 
as make bold to court speech with men with 
whom they have no proper acquaintance, so I 
turned away and looked at the gate. 

As I watched the people, I found myself, 
presently, wondering whether she was still 
there, or whether she had taken my rebuke to 


1 6 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

heart. I was too proud to look, and yet I felt 
my curiosity growing stronger. At last I 
turned my head ever so little, so that I could 
just see. She was still there, and her quick 
eye had caught my movement ; she smiled as 
graciously as before, and nodded again. Now 
I was vexed that I should be so easily entrapped, 
and since I could not rebuff her, I would try 
another way ; so looking deliberately at her, I 
made her a most formal bow, whereupon the 
jade broke into laughter and ran away. 

This made me quite out of humor, for a man 
who has been in the wars does not relish being 
made the laughing stock of a slip of a girl. 
Besides, I was getting impatient, for I never 
could abide waiting, being used to action. I 
began to think the Queen could not be in such 
very great need, if she took so long a time to 
send for me. Then I tried to look out of the 
window again, but I could not interest myself. 

Suddenly I heard a light step behind me. 
Yes, I was quite sure it was a step. Without 
betraying myself, I continued to look out of the 
window, and listened carefully. I could hear 
some one approaching very stealthily. Well, I 
remarked to myself, at least, I shall not be 
caught napping. I waited until they were quite 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


17 


close, and then turned suddenly, throwing 
myself on guard. Judge of my surprise and 
chagrin to find myself greeted with a hearty 
burst of laughter, and to find there before me 
the same chit of a girl. Indeed, she was so 
amused that it was sometime before she could 
speak, while I, realizing my ridiculous position, 
felt myself getting very warm in the face, and 
feeling quite angry. Presently, when she had 
ceased laughing somewhat, she looked coquet- 
tishly at me, and inquired, “And pray what 
brings you here ?” Now, this looked so much 
to me like sheer wantonness, that I was fast 
losing my temper ; so I told her that that was 
my own affair, and I hoped none of hers ; at 
which she grew a little red and became serious. 
Then she said, rather warmly, “ Methinks if you 
are as much a stupid in war as in love, it will 
be likely to remain your own affair.” 

Now, I confess this reply surprised me 
greatly, so I asked her what she meant. 
“ Well,” she replied, “ are you or are you not 
here by appointment?” Not knowing how 
much she might know, I feared to commit 
myself, so I said : “And, suppose I were, what 
then?” “Well, then,” replied she, “you have 
a message ; what is it ?” This proved to me 
2 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


i8 

that everything was all right, and I replied as 
Lord Zelad had directed me ; whereat she 
laughed lightly, and bade me follow her. She 
led me up a flight of stairs, and through sev- 
eral chambers, and finally into a small one, 
where she directed me to wait, remarking, with 
a twinkle in her eye : “And mind you that you 
are less stupid than you were before, lest the 
Queen have to hunt you also.” And when I 
would have answered her, she ran away, 
laughing merrily. Such was my first meeting 
with Izeil. 

This time I had not long to wait. She was 
gone but a few moments, when the thick tap- 
estry on my left parted, and she reappeared, 
cautiously beckoning me to enter. The new 
chamber was comparatively in darkness, and 
before 1 became thoroughly accustomed to the 
light, I found myself face to face with the 
Queen. She was reclining upon a couch of 
rare furs. I think for the first time in my life 
I realized how great her beauty really was. 

Great, liquid eyes, that seemed in the 
dimmed light of the chamber to sparkle while 
she spoke. Eyes that seemed to change in 
color while you watched them, and when a man 
had once looked into their depth he became 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


19 


their slave. And she lay there upon her couch, 
watching me from under her long lashes. Then 
her face lighted with a wondrous smile, and she 
beckoned me to come nearer. I did so, and, 
obeying her look, I seated myself beside her 
upon a low stool. At last she spoke, and I 
know not why, but I started at the sound of her 
voice. She was telling me that she needed 
some one to go on a dangerous mission, and 
that Lord Zelad had chosen me. And, looking 
straight at me, she asked me if I would go. I 
stammered “Yes.’' I remember she smiled 
slightly, and began to tell me the details of the 
situation. 

She told me how the kingdom was divided 
between the two great houses and their friends 
and followers. How the present heads of these 
houses, the two Princes of Gravas and Alca- 
zeda, had each been aiming to secure the throne 
through marriage witli her. She told me how 
the Prince of Gravas, my brother, had of late 
apparently given up and withdrawn his suit ; 
how an understanding seemed to have been 
reached between these two old-time rivals. 
And now a suspicious thing had happened. 
Through her friends she had learned that my 
brother had invited the Prince of Alcazeda to 


20 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


hunt the boar in his famous boar forest. It was 
evident that a plot was being hatched, and that 
the hunt was a mere device under which to 
cover it. Far removed from the capital, the 
conspirators might plot in safety. 

Now, my mission was this — no one knew the 
estates of Gravas better than I. When the con- 
spirators left the capital, I should follow them, 
and learn the extent of their treason. But she 
warned me if I went, I went at my own peril, 
for her power did not extend beyond the city 
walls. If discovered, I must bear the whole 
responsibility ; she could not endanger herself 
by endeavoring to protect me. Here she 
paused and waited for me to speak.' Somehow, 
the more I looked at her, the more confused I 
became. I told her that it was the duty of a 
soldier to face danger, and as for the respon- 
sibility, I was ready to assume whatever respon- 
sibility there might be. And all the while I 
spoke, she watched me furtively through her 
half-closed lids, and when I had finished she 
laughed a musical little laugh, and, rising, stood 
over me. Somehow, I could no longer avoid 
her gaze ; it seemed to fascinate me. Then she 
asked could she trust me ; and when I would 
have answered, she gave me her hand to kiss, 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


21 


and then I was alone. Of how long I sat I had 
no recollection, but I was aroused anon by the 
return of Izeil, who could not forbear making 
sport of me, and who asked me mischievously 
if I had never seen a woman until I came to the 
palace, whereupon I answered, right smartly, 
“At least none of her kind,” and thereat she 
laughed approvingly, and, telling me I should 
receive full instructions from Lord Zelad, she 
showed me out of the palace. As we parted, 
she gave me her hand, as the Queen had done, 
but I was much the more inclined to kiss her 
cheek, though when I would have done so, she 
gave me a playful slap and ran away. And 
so I wended my way toward Lord Zelad's 
quarters. 


CHAPTER III 


T hat night I left the capital, and under 
cover of the darkness rode far until 
morning. I went alone, for the nature 
of rny errand demanded that I should go unac- 
companied. I rode hard, since it was necessary 
to gain entrance to the castle before the arrival 
of my brother. Four days later found me 
secreted in his castle. It is not necessary to 
relate how, by long night rides, I reached the 
castle, how by suborning an old servant, who, 
in earlier times, had shown much fondness for 
me, I gained access, and how, with him, I 
arranged a plan by which to discover the plots 
of the conspirators. On the evening of that 
day, the Prince Alcazeda and my brother, who 
had arrived in the forenoon, were to sup alone 
for the purpose of arranging their plans. With 
the aid of Mateza, I had so concealed myself 
behind the tapestry, that I could both hear and 
see all that might happen. Presently the two 

Princes entered ; my brother advanced and 
22 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


23 


seated himself with his back toward me, while 
Alcazeda sat facing me. I watched him as he 
ate. Though I had not seen him for sometime, 
yet I readily recognized the restless grey eyes, 
the neatly pointed beard, formerly quite brown, 
but becoming tinged with grey. His bearing 
was decidedly patrician, and there was a look in 
the eye, and a something in the manner, which 
bespoke the unquenchable ambition of the 
man. 

By this time they had finished eating, and 
the servants, after having been bidden to throw 
open the windows and admit the evening air, 
retired, leaving them to their wine. Alcazeda 
drank but sparingly, with the evident intention 
of attending strictly to the business at hand, 
while my brother drank continually, though the 
wine seemed to have no effect upon him, save 
an added lustre to his black eye, and a reckless- 
ness to his manner. His attainment to my 
father s rank and position had given full scope 
to the baser qualities of his nature, and, indeed, 

I wondered not that the Queen feared and 
detested him. Overbearing and selfish to the 
utmost, his handsome face betrayed a character 
that knew neither fear nor mercy. And as I 
watched him, I was glad that my sword was no 


24 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


farther off than my side. They talked for over 
an hour. 

I could not help noticingr the contrast 
afforded by the two men. It was evident that 
each feared and distrusted the other, and that 
their co-operation would extend only as far as 
dethroning the Queen. Alcazeda’s manner, as 
opposed to that of his host, was that of a cal- 
culating, crafty diplomatist, who never lost 
sight for an instant of the issues at stake, 
while my brother was impetuous, headstrong, 
but none the less shrewd and cunning. And 
from their talk I gleaned that this was their 
plot: Alcazeda was to demand the hand of 
the Queen in marriage ; his demand was to be 
seconded by Gravas and their entire combined 
followers. The Queen could hardly dare to 
resist such a universal demand, and, if she did, 
then pressure was to be exerted upon her. 
The Prince of Gravas, for his share, was to be 
appointed Regent in his father’s place, with 
absolute power until the Queen should marry. 
There was much talk of details, but these I 
gathered to be the main features of the plot. 

I must confess that, at the time, I was not a 
little surprised to find my brother so evidently 
overreached by the wily Alcazeda, who, in my 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


25 


opinion, had certainly gotten the advantage, 
but of that anon. After they had reached the 
above conclusion, my brother proposed a toast 
to the future consort of the Queen, and Alca- 
zeda in turn, toasted the new Regent. Then 
he bade my brother good-night, and the latter 
summoned a servant to show him to his apart- 
ment. 

Here I found I had misjudged my brother 
sorely. Indeed, with all I knew of him, I found 
I had never given him just credit for his duplic- 
ity, for no sooner had the sound of the retreat- 
ing footsteps died away, than he seized a huge 
goblet of wine, and raising it, cried, ironically, 
“To the future consort of the Queen ! Yes !’* 
And then he emptied it at a single draught. 
“ But,” he exclaimed, with a fierce, diabolical 
ring in his voice, “ not the Prince of Alcazeda, 
not if I know it.” Then throwing himself into 
a chair, he burst into a contemptuous laugh, 
“And he thought the wine had gone to my 
head, the fool. And that he could overreach 
me ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! He must have a long 
arm that can overreach Gregar, the Prince of 
Gravas ! Overreach me !” And he laughed ; 
and, indeed, I could see that the wine was 
beginning to take effect, even upon him, though, 


26 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


to do him justice, I have never seen any man 
who could have drunk what he did that night, and 
still have kept his feet. “Yes,” he continued, 
striking the table fiercely with his fist, and 
filling another huge goblet, “ yes, to the future 
consort of the Queen” — drinking — “but it 
won’t be my dear friend, Alcazeda — no, it will 
be his dear friend — the Regent, the Prince of — 
no, by the gods, it will be King, for once 
Regent, some fine night I shall quietly carry off 
this beautiful Queen, and then my fine Alca- 
zeda will be seized and declared outlawed for 
having committed my crime, and all his posses- 
sions will be mine — and then there will be no 
Queen — no, nobody,” and he sank into his 
seat, and making another effort to fill his gob- 
let he exclaimed, in a thick voice, “ and then 
they will make me King, and then I — I marry 
the Queen — the Queen — mine — and” — His 
head slowly dropped forward on the table, and 
he was soon in a heavy slumber. 

Feeling that this was a suitable time, I stole 
from my hiding place and left the apartments. 
As quietly as I could, I made my way toward 
the unfrequented part of the castle, in which I 
had been hiding, and went to sleep. Early the 
following morning I was awakened by Mate?a. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


27 


He told me the entire castle was astir, some 
one of Alcazeda’s men had seen and recognized 
me, as I left my brother’s room, and, his master 
being asleep, had said nothing until this morn- 
ing. Whereupon, Alcazeda had sought my 
brother, and the latter had, in a great rage, 
ordered the castle to be searched. However, 
as they had not found me, the Prince had 
declared the man must have been mistaken, 
and so the matter rested, although the guards 
had everywhere been doubled. You may 
imagine this was very unwelcome news to me, 
and I ate my breakfast in silence. Then I bade 
Mateza, as soon as he saw a chance, to bring 
my horse ; and he left me. 

Now, I was much in doubt as to whether I 
should wait until the night fell, or whether I 
should make a bold dash at once. Delay was 
dangerous ; detection more so. While still 
uncertain I heard loud voices directly without. 
Peeping from the window I discovered that 
three of Alcazeda’s men had detected Mateza’s 
attempt to bring my horse, and were endeavor- 
ing to wrest it from him. The loss of my horse 
would be fatal, and, drawing my sword, I dashed 
out, and was upon them almost before they 
noticed me. Then two of the rascals, seeing 


28 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


me, turned and fled, while the third, less fortu- 
nate than the others, finding he could not shake 
the old man off, turned and dealt him a heavy 
blow upon the head, felling him to the ground. 
At this I grew fearfully angry, for it pained me 
much to think that he should have come to 
grief through me, and before the rascal could 
turn upon me, I cleft him through the skull. 
Then I turned to poor old Mateza, but he had 
gotten a fatal blow. 

By this time the entire castle had taken 
alarm, and I saw I had no time to lose. So 
springing upon my charger, I dashed my spurs 
into him, and made for the gate. Already, 
there were full half a score of men there, bar- 
ring my way, but swinging my sword free, I 
dashed upon them crying, “ Long live the 
Queen !” For a few moments it was exciting, 
and then I was in the open. Half a mile away 
was the forest, and toward it I urged my horse. 
I turned and glanced oyer my shoulder. I could 
see the entire garrison pouring from the castle 
gate. “Well,” thinks I, “a long chase is a stern 
chase, and, perhaps, if they ride fast and far 
enough, they’ll catch me.” And so I settled 
myself in the saddle for a long ride. In a few 
more moments we were in among the trees, 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


29 


and then I led them a merry chase, into the 
depths of the forest ; for here I was at home, 
having- often, when a boy, hunted through it. 
Gradually the sound of my pursuers grew fainter 
in the distance — then they faded away entirely, 
and then I knew for the present I was safe. 
But to get myself out of trouble was not the 
only thing I had to do. The Queen must be 
warned, and so I turned my horse’s head toward 
the capital. That night I passed in a small for- 
ester’s hut, and the next day found me still rid- 
ing on. By noon I reached one of the roads 
leading to the capital, and was able to make 
better time. The second evening I spent at an 
inn, still one day’s good travel from my jour- 
ney’s end. 

Early the next morning I was again on the 
road, for I wished to be the first to reach the 
Queen, and be able to circumvent any new 
plot the traitors might make. Impatiently I 
watched the sun rise in the heaven, and then 
again begin to descend. The long-sustained 
effort, for my weight was by no means light, 
was beginning to tell upon my faithful steed. 
Neither was the road I had chanced upon the 
shortest to the capital. And so I found myself 
compelled to let another night pass without 


30 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


reaching the city. The slanting rays of the 
morning sun were just peeping over the hills 
when I drew rein at the city gate and demanded 
admission. 

I hurried to the palace, but the Court was 
not yet astir. I asked for the Queen, and was 
informed she had not yet arisen. Then I asked 
for Izeil, and was told she was passing the 
night in the Queen’s apartment. So, fearing 
that my presence at this early hour might 
arouse suspicion, I bade them tell her that 
Lord Zelad’s man had arrived, and would await 
her summons, and then set out for his quarters. 
I went by a roundabout way, so that I might 
pass my brother’s residence, to discover, if 
possible, whether he had already arrived. The 
household was astir, but I was pleased to see 
that the place lacked that bustle which would 
have betokened his arrival. A few moments 
later my weary horse was being stabled, and I 
was in Lord Zelad’s presence. My old friend 
greeted me with a warmth and an affection 
which betrayed how anxious the danger of my 
errand had made him, and as we sat over a 
steaming breakfast, I making amends for my 
recent fast, and telling between times of my 
adventures ; he smiling, and in his interest for- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


31 


getting to eat, we almost forgot, for the time, 
that the Queen was in danger, and that 
moments were precious. And then, when we 
had finished eating, he, in his turn, told me 
tales of his youth, when he and my father had 
been young together, and tales of the old wars. 
And while we sat, suddenly one of his men 
entered, and informed him that a large party 
had just entered the city, and that the Princes 
were even now on their way to the Court. 
Right angry was I at having wasted so much 
time, and fearing lest the Princes should have 
hatched some new scheme, and should per- 
haps catch the Queen unless she was warned, 
I determined to see her in some way at 
once. 

In order that I might not lack a pretext for 
visiting the Court, Lord Zelad bade me say 
that he was ill and would not come unless she 
specially desired him. So with that I hastened 
to the Court. At first I tried to find Izeil, but 
she was still with the Queen, who, I learned 
with much chagrin, was giving audience to my 
brother and Alcazeda. Now, I was sorely puz- 
zled, — I knew not whether to bide my time 
until the Queen should be able to receive me, 
or whether I should boldly enter the Court, and 


32 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


in some way, while delivering Lord Zelad’s 
message, warn her. The more I pondered, 
the greater grew my anxiety, lest she should 
fall a victim to their plots, until finally I could 
endure it no longer, and made my way boldly 
into her presence. 

I must confess I was somewhat astonished 
at the effect of my entrance. Though I knew 
but little of Court etiquette, it dawned upon 
me that perhaps I had made a mistake. My 
brother’s face was a study. It showed sur- 
prise, hate, confusion, for a moment, and then, 
if anything, elation. Alcazeda, I noticed, main- 
tained his usual imperturbability of counte- 
nance, although there was a look of suppressed 
hatred in his eye. I had expected to find them 
more or less astonished, but was hardly pre- 
pared for the change in the Queen. I saw her 
face flush slightly with ill-concealed annoyance, 
then her features began to harden, and there 
came an unpleasant look into her face. All 
the while she said never a word, but, as she 
watched me standing there stupidly eyeing 
her, there came a steely glitter into her eye 
that made me feel uncomfortable, and like a 
flash I remembered her warning, “If you are 
found out, I cannot protect you.” Afterwards 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


33 


I learned that she had charged Izeil to send for 
me, and to warn me to withhold myself from 
the sight of the Princes until she could hear 
my story, and also that Izeil had sent a mes- 
senger to Lord Zelad’s quarters, urging me to 
come secretly to the palace, with all haste, 
and await an interview there. The messenger 
reached Lord Zelad’s just after I had left, and 
so I failed to receive his message. 

Now the Queen, not knowing of this, 
thought I had disregarded her warning, and 
hence was intensely angered. But all this, as I 
have said, I learned afterwards, and did not 
know of at the time. So I was offended as 
well, and was minded to teach her that if she 
trembled before the Princes, I did not, and so, 
bowing, I said curtly, “My master, LordZelad, 
sends your majesty greeting and bids me say 
that he is too unwell to be present at court, 
and, with your permission, would remain at his 
home.” I could see my assurance had some 
effect upon the Queen, and she bowed stiffly, 
no doubt glad of any opportunity which would 
permit me to retire. Not so the others, for my 
brother stepped forward and exclaimed, “ O, 
Queen, I demand this man’s life ; he has dared 
to trespass in my castle, and is guilty of 


34 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


murder, having slain several of my guests/' 
His eyes flashed -with anger as he spoke, and 
he turned to the Prince Alcazeda for support. 
The latter bowed stiffly and said, “ Three of 
my men are slain, and several wounded." 

As the Queen heard this, her look softened 
a little, for she dearly loved strength in men, 
and there was a sly twinkle in her eye, as she 
looked at Gravas and asked : But where are 
his accomplices? Surely he could not have 
done this alone?" Her question stung him, 
for I could see him bite his lip with vexation, 
but he was not to be denied, and exclaimed 
angrily, “I repeat, O Queen, are my guests to 
be slain in my own castle and the murderer go 
unpunished? " But the Queen pretended only 
to be annoyed at his persistence, and replied, 
“ And why, Prince of Gravas, did you not slay 
him there and then ? Why do you come to me ? 
Is it my place to maintain order in your own 
castle ? " 

“Nay, O Queen," replied my brother, “I 
am not so to be silenced ; I repeat, why is this 
man to be allowed to enter my castle by stealth? 
Why is he to be allowed to slay my guests and 
go unpunished ? And why does the Queen 
refuse to grant me justice ; unless, perhaps," 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


35 


he added sneeringly, “ he did not come on his 
own errand.” 

Now this was just what the Queen had been 
playing for. She wanted him to forget himself, 
and thus give her an opportunity to effectually 
silence him. So she turned imperiously upon 
him, exclaiming, “ Prince of Gravas, you forget 
yourself! What do you mean? Do you dare to 
connect the Queen’s name with that of this 
man ? ” 

“If not then, why should he use it as a battle- 
cry ? ” 

Now when my brother said this, I could 
have knocked myself over the head, for I saw 
clearly that if it had not been for my blundering 
cry when I charged the gate the Queen could 
have so passed the matter over ; and, indeed, 
she herself, after a quick glance at my face, and 
reading the truth there, saw that she might no 
longer try to save me, unless she would commit 
herself. None the less, she feared to make me 
talk, lest I should in some way betray my 
errand, and this made her all the more angry 
at me. 

Suddenly she seemed to lose all patience, 
and, turning to me, she asked angrily, “Well, 
what have you to say for yourself?” Now, I 


36 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


was mightily perplexed, for while I wished most 
heartily not to betray the Queen, yet of a truth, 
neither had I any desire to be delivered over to 
the tender mercies of my brother, so I bethought 
me of an excuse and said humbly, “The Queen 
will remember that it was but a week since my 
father’s death, and prior to that time two years 
had sped since I had visited my home, the castle 
of my forefathers. She will not think it strange 
that memories of my childhood should have 
drawn me toward the old place, and, expecting 
its new master would not be there for the 
present, I stole thither to see once more the 
haunts of other days. Not wishing to be seen, 
lest my visit should be misconstrued and 
awaken old enmities, I concealed myself during 
my stay in an unfrequented part of the castle. 
What was my annoyance to discover that its 
master had returned as well. I endeavored 
to escape without being seen, and would have 
left without molesting anyone, had not the only 
one who knew of my presence there, an old 
white-haired servant, who had many a time 
dandled me on his knee, been slain by one of 
his men, while trying to bring my horse. In 
trying to save him I had to slay his murderer. 
Then I knew my life would pay the forfeit 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


37 


if captured, and I struck only to save my- 
self." 

Now, all the while that I spoke I watched 
the Queen closely. As I went on with my 
story, her nervousness left her, and she gave 
full rein to her anger. “ So," she cried, and 
as she spoke her eyes fairly glittered, “ so, and 
because you must need get into a disorderly 
brawl, it is, no doubt, fitting that you must use 
your Queen’s name to justify your wrong 
doing." 

Now, this turn of affairs, I must confess, 
quite puzzled me. My story had certainly freed 
her from all chance of compromise, and I could 
see of no need that she should so treat one 
who was serving her as best he knew how. My 
pride arose, and I said, angrily, “In the excite- 
ment of the fight, O Queen, I may have for- 
gotten myself, and used your name as a battle- 
cry* It was, no doubt, the force of habit since 
the last time I needed a battle-cry, the same 
one won me the golden chain." 

This same chain was given to those who 
had signally distinguished themselves for gal- 
lantry in battle, and was an honor highly 
prized, since its wearer had the freedom of the 
court. Now, it is passing strange that when a 


38 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


man is over-careful in his aim he is apt to miss, 
and ofttimes when he shoots at random, the 
shaft strikes home. Such was now my case, 
for the Queen softened somewhat, and turned 
to the Princes as if in vindication. Then, after 
a moment’s thought, she said to them, “ Can 
either of you say aught against this man’s 
story ?” and they were both silent. Though she 
saw through my ruse, they knew they might 
not speak the truth. “Then,” continued she, 
turning to me, “ since you have confessed your 
guilt, let this be your sentence : For the slaying 
of those men, in that it was done in self-defence, 
and for the protection of an old man, we par- 
don you for the sake of the gallantry which 
won you the golden chain ; for the annoyance 
which you have caused us, and the disorder you 
have brought into court, we take from you its 
freedom, and with it the chain. Now, my 
Lords,” continued she, sharply, “ I am awearied 
of this ; the audience is at end. Izeil, let us 
hence.” And they went, leaving us there 
together. 

So I was publicly dishonored before them, 
before these traitors. It needed but this to 
make me thoroughly angry, and, as I and my 
brother stood face to face, it seemed as if 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


39 


nothing could have prevented a collision 
between us ; nor was I much loath, but the 
wary Alcazeda, foreseeing the consequences to 
his plans should anything befall my brother, led 
him away. Then an officer of the Queen’s 
guard came and requested me, in obedience to 
her command, to surrender my chain, which I 
did with a sorry grace. 

By this time, I must confess, I had thor- 
oughly lost my temper, and was not a little 
minded to take leave of it all and seek adven- 
tures elsewhere. For I liked not this intriguing 
whereby one must deny one’s friends and must 
punish those who serve one that one’s enemies 
may be satisfied. With these thoughts in my 
head, I strode angrily out of the chamber and 
took my way toward the palace gate. Nice 
thanks for long weary rides and for running 
one’s head into danger,” quoth I ; “ ’twere far 
better to stay at home and eat and drink and 
grow slothful.” 

Here I almost ran over some one, and was 
about to continue on my way with brusque 
apologies, when I felt myself held by the sleeve. 
Turning about, I was surprised to find at my 
elbow a woman closely hooded. She looked 
about as if to make sure we were alone, and 


40 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


then quickly beckoned me to follow. But I 
had no mind to do anything of the kind. I 
had enough of women, and would have pro- 
ceeded on my way but that she held fast to my 
arm and would have me go v/ith her w'hether 
or not ; and, with all, she stamped her little 
foot, so that I laughed and went. She led 
me into a little side chamber, and who should 
it be but Izeil. Then did she teaze me roundly, 
making much of how easy I could do stupid 
things and other jests of the kind, until I had 
liked to have boxed her ears. When she had 
coaxed me into a good humor, she told me that 
the Queen wished to see me. Thereat I grew 
angry again and told her it was well to be 
a Queen, that one might have her humors, 
since it was but a few moments since the Queen 
had been glad to get rid of me. She questioned 
me, and I learned for the first time of her mes- 
senger, and that he must have failed to reach 
me. Then she bade me remain here until her 
return, and went away. 

Now, this made the Queen’s anger much 
clearer to me, since I saw she must have thought 
I had brought on the trouble by my open dis- 
obedience. However, I saw clearly that she 
would have sacrificed me to have saved herself. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


41 


and, though she was a woman, yet I could not 
forgive her. For I hold life and position of 
but little value when they must be purchased 
with a friend, and the Queen’s action smacked 
too much of the wily Alcazeda for me to over- 
look it ; so, therefore, while I awaited Izeil’s 
coming, I made up mind to tell the Queen of 
all I had learnt, and then to leave the country. 
For it was clear that between the two Princes, 
either she must fall to the one or the other, and, 
in either case, my life at court would not be 
pleasant. Moreover, the more I thought of the 
Queen’s duplicity, the less I could abide to 
think of her, though why it should have hurt 
me so, I could not say. Yet, as I followed 
Izeil to go to her, her sin ever grew in my 
eyes, until I lost sight of her weakness, and the 
great danger that beset her. And, in this mind, 
I followed Izeil into her presence. 

It was the same old room, a room I have 
since learned to know so well. The same dim 
light. And there, as before, she lay upon her 
couch, while I, with my arms folded, stood 
defiantly before her. Then I heard a rustle of 
the tapestry behind me, and I knew we were 
alone. The Queen watched me with just the 
faintest trace of a smile through her half-closed 


42 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


eyes. She had a curious habit of looking at 
one in this way, which caused you to watch 
her eyes so closely, that you could think of 
nothing else. I soon began to feel I might not 
look at her much longer, and keep to my pur- 
pose, but, watching me, she waited till I would 
have spoken, and then asked, softly: “Well, 
have you nothing to tell me ? ” Now, I know 
not why, but I stood there dumb, like a school- 
boy with an unlearnt lesson. She must have 
seen her power, for she smiled a little and 
beckoned me to sit near her. “ Tell me of your 
journey,” she said, coaxingly, leaning slightly 
toward me. “ I have waited long for your 
coming,” she said. 

Now, I learned afterwards that Izeil had told 
her all, of how the messenger had failed to 
reach me, and also that she had shrewdly 
guessed my intention to desert her, and had 
planned to win me back with her beauty and 
her arts. Not indeed that she in the least cared 
for me, but she was averse to losing a single 
sword in the struggle which she felt was 
impending with the Princes. But all this, as I 
said, I found out later ; so, when she spoke to 
me so gently, I sat beside her and told her my 
story, and she, artfully feigning interest, let 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


43 


fall her hand upon my arm and had me tell her 
over again of how I rode through the gate. 
Now, as I told her this, I suddenly remembered 
how but an hour ago the same story had liked 
to have cost me dear, and I remembered my 
intention ; so, as gently as I could, I told her 
of it. She took her hand quickly from my arm 
and turned her face from me. I rose, but said 
nothing lest I might further anger her. Thus I 
waited for her to speak. 

I watched her as she lay there, so graceful, 
with her face turned from me, resting her chin 
upon her hands with her elbows very deep in 
the rich furs of the couch. I stood watching 
the glorious wealth of hair and the more glori- 
ous neck beneath it. It was so long ere she 
spoke that I thought she had forgotten me. 
Then sighing, she slowly turned till suddenly 
she saw me. I could see a great tear glisten in 
each eye, while the long lashes were wet. She 
drew herself up proudly, as if it shamed her to 
be so caught, and said petulantly : “ What ! 
Are you still here ? I thought you were gone.” 

Now, it has always been my weakness that 
I could never abide seeing any one suffer, much 
less the sight of a woman in tears ; so I 
straightway went down on one knee at her side 


44 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


and told her I surely could not have gone till 
she had sent me, seeing that I was her knight. 
But she looked doubtful, as if uncertain of my 
sincerity, till at last I won her over, and then 
she laughed softly through her tears, and tak- 
ing my great hand with her little one, she told 
me I would find her as true a Queen as she had 
found me a knight. Here Izeil entered, and 
the Queen charged her to get me safely from 
the palace without being seen. Then she told 
me that Izeil should henceforth be her mes- 
senger to me, and bidding me remember, bade 
me go. Izeil led me through the same unfre- 
quented passages we had traversed on my first 
visit to the Queen. I wondered greatly at the 
change in her manner. She had grown quiet, 
not sprightly nor longer bent on teasing me as 
before. So when we parted I asked her if 
aught were ailing with her. Methought she 
started at the question. She colored slightly, 
but only laughed and said, “ Nay.” And so I 
went on wondering at the ways of women. 


CHAPTER IV 


N OW there were many things that I learned 
of in the days that followed, and among 
others I learned later that I had become 
beloved by Izeil. In the graver events of the 
court that were then happening, I did not notice 
the many little ways in which, prompted by her 
sweet and unrequited love, she gently tried to 
win my notice. Of all the maids of the Queen, 
Izeil was favorite, and by her cleverness and 
vivacity held the Queen’s confidence, yet 
beneath the artificial life of the court maiden 
there dwelt a spirit loving and pure. Now, not 
knowing of her love at the time, I was much 
puzzled at the maid’s humor. I surmised after- 
wards that she must have been compelled by 
the Queen to wait without the chamber, so that 
she might enter at her mistress’s nod. Loving 
me as she did, she must have been much pained 
to see me fall a victim to the Queen’s wiles. 
wShe knew the Queen could not wed me, and 
hence foresaw nothing but misfortune from my 

45 


46 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


passion. For there is this to be said of the 
Queen, that once won, she could love passion- 
ately, and even to her own undoing, yet, help- 
less as she was, she was capable, in her desper- 
ate efforts to retain her power, of proceeding 
to almost any extreme, and Izeil feared lest 
sometime I should stand in the Queen’s way. 

It must be remembered that at this time I was 
almost an utter stranger to the Queen, and still 
more, one of a house whose head had arraigned 
itself against her, which circumstance could easily 
have disposed of any scruples she might have 
had against matching her woman’s wit against 
mine. Moreover, Izeil, being in the Queen’s 
confidence, knew that her mistress, in her heart, 
cared only for the aid I might be to her, and it 
grieved her to see a love for the Queen grow- 
ing in me. For it was impossible to be long 
near such a woman without falling under the 
spell of her beauty. Therefore, Izeil, when she 
led me from the Queen, was quiet, and I, being 
stupid, could not guess what had stopped her 
laugh, and silenced her jest. Nor was this the 
end of it, for there was among my brother’s fol- 
lowers one who had become enamored of her, 
and who, with a lover’s keen insight, had 
detected the maid’s feeling for me, and in con- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


47 


sequence bore me no little ill-will thereat. He 
would have often held speech with her at court, 
but she, caring naught for him, ever eluded his 
attempts, or would hurry off with some jesting 
answer. Now, unimportant as this may seem, 
this very affair was destined to bring matters 
to a climax, and it occurred in the following 
way. 

Two weeks after my last visit to the Queen, 
came the great festival of the year. Upon that 
day it was the custom of the court to assemble 
in full regalia and do homage to the Queen. 
During the afternoon of the day preceding the 
festival Izeil had been permitted by the Queen 
to pay a visit to her home, and toward dusk had 
started to return to the palace. Just without 
the gates of the palace her bearers were halted 
by an armed escort, among whom was this same 
knight, Barad by name. It seems that he and 
his party had been carousing at some friends 
and were slightly overburdened with wine. He 
had halted the bearers, more than likely as a 
jest, but on coming close, suddenly guessed 
whom the occupant of the litter might be, as its 
trappings were royal. Emboldened by the fast 
falling darkness, he bade her followers make 
way. Awed by the superior numbers and his 


48 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


decided manner, they obeyed. At this juncture 
Izeil, becoming aware that something unusual 
had happened, looked forth, and demanded the 
reason of the interruption. Barad banteringly 
replied that it ill-became so beautiful a woman 
to venture out vdthout an escort, and turning 
to his fellows, demanded if he were not right in 
assuring her that he could offer them to her as 
an escort, to which they, heated by the wine and 
carousal, laughingly assented. Then Izeil, real- 
izing by this time the true condition of affairs, 
sternly demanded that she be permitted to con- 
tinue her journey. Barad swore that might all 
manner of ill-fortune befall him if he abandoned 
so fair a creature, and endeavored to take hold 
of her hand. Thoroughly frightened, she eluded 
his attempt, and called upon her men to defend 
her. Several of them endeavored to force 
Barad from the litter, but he, now thoroughly 
inflamed by his recent drinking and his passion, 
would not be denied. Calling upon his com- 
panions, who until now had stood by, much 
amused by his actions, to aid him, he drew his 
sword and fell upon the party. A lively strug- 
gle thereupon ensued, and one that had likely 
proven disastrous to the lady, had not the pal- 
ace guards, who were camped at the gate near 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


49 


by, been attracted by the clamor and hastened 
to the scene. At this the others fled, and Izeil 
made her way to the palace. 

On hearing of the affair, the Queen was 
mightily angry, and vowed vengeance, though, 
for the time being, she was compelled to let the 
matter remain unnoticed, as it was evident that 
a crisis was drawing nigh at the capital. Since 
she had so firmly refused to deliver me to my 
brother, the Princes had changed their tactics. 
They appeared regularly at court, and acted 
with the greatest deference toward the Queen. 
Yet this very serenity made her uneasy ; she 
began to fear they were planning some unpleas- 
ant surprise, and, through her spies, grew more 
vigilant than ever. 

At length, she learned that they were pre- 
paring to take advantage of the ensuing holi- 
day to put into execution the scheme they had 
hatched while at Gravas. In this they were 
favored by rumors, which for several days had 
been going about the capital. Men said that 
the outlying provinces had been invaded by 
bands from the neighboring country. This was 
rendered the more plausible since the King of 
that country had but two years ago been 
defeated by the Queen’s army, under the com- 


50 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


mand of my father, and been compelled to cede 
some of his provinces. Nor was this all, for 
the Princes, taking advantage of the uneasiness 
which these rumors created in the capital, had 
secretly instructed their followers to create dis- 
turbance in the city by disorderly conduct, 
though warning them not to come into conflict 
with the royal guard. As a consequence, con- 
fidence in the Queen was much shaken ; for in 
times of danger men preferred to have a man’s 
strong hand to rule them. 

These things were not unknown to the 
Queen, and she prepared as best she could to 
check the moves of the Princes. Trusty mes- 
sengers were dispatched to the frontier to 
obtain exact information concerning the num- 
bers of the enemy, and their whereabouts. All 
the nobles in whom the Queen could place 
implicit confidence, were summoned to appear 
in court on the coming holiday, with a full 
retinue, in order to swell to the utmost the 
number of her adherents. Moreover, the lead- 
ers, among whom the chief was Lord Zelad, 
were notified to be prepared for any emergency. 
And so, while all about the court seemed to 
come and go without any apparent change, yet 
a close observer could have detected a rest- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


51 


lessness in their manner which betrayed the 
troublous undercurrent of danger. 

At length the holiday arrived. Lord Zelad 
had ordered all his quarters up with the sun, in 
order to set out early for the court. The place 
was full of bustle. My own preparations 
were easily and quickly made ; beneath the 
silken outer-garment, I wore a light, but splen- 
didly wrought coat of mail ; indeed, we had all 
been charged to arm ourselves as fully as might 
be without its becoming noticeable. While 
the others hurried to and fro at their duties, I 
strolled out upon the main terrace of the house. 

The place itself was built upon rising 
ground, and splendidly adapted for defence. 
Indeed, I very much doubt if another house in 
the city, saving the palace, might so readily be 
defended. From where I stood, I could see 
the morning sun, rising above the housetops in 
the east, and hear the chirping of the birds, as 
they fluttered to and fro. I could hear that 
strange, buzzing sound that betokens the awak- 
ening of a great city. The crisp morning air 
blew the hair about my temples, and made my 
blood leap faster, as though it wanted to share 
in the quickening of nature. Presently I fell to 
wondering on the outcome of the day, — what 


52 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


steps would the Princes dare to take ? How 
far would the Queen resist them ? What would 
they do if she refused to agree to their demand ? 
Had they changed their plans on discovering 
my presence in the castle at Gravas ? I could 
not doubt that they saw through my story, 
and knew they were discovered. How would 
the people of the city bear themselves ? Was 
their love for the Queen sufficient to urge them 
to arms against an attack on the capital ? 
These and a hundred other questions were 
passing through my mind, when I felt a touch 
on my shoulder, and turned to have Lord Zelad 
greet me. 

For a moment we stood together, both 
silent, watching the still quiet city, each busy 
with his own thoughts. At last, without turn- 
ing, he said sadly, “ How long will it be before 
its morning slumbers will be awakened by the 
noise of war ? How long ? How long ere the 
smouldering fires of treason break forth, and 
bring discord and strife to this peaceful land ? 
Strange that the son should undo the father’s 
working — strange that man should forget his 
duty, and forsake his honor. Ah ! ’tis ever so. 
The blood in the young leaps wildly, and oft in 
its feverish coursings, urges them to their own 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


53 


undoing, for it is not until years have passed 
by us that we learn there is more than selfish 
glory to be craved for, and that, in a loyal and 
contented heart, there is a greater treasure than 
a kingdom. And you, Almar,” he said, after a 
pause, “ what may this struggle mean to you ? 
Let not your anger against your brother blind 
your better wisdom — in all things let your loy- 
alty to the Queen be the guiding star of your 
actions, and then, whether glory or misfortune 
follow you, remorse will find you proof against 
her darts. Accept, my son, an old man’s coun- 
sel, and his blessing with it.” For a moment 
he turned away to conceal the emotion which 
possessed him, for, having no sons of his own, 
he gave to me the affection that should have 
been theirs. The sight of some horsemen 
riding rapidly through the streets recalled to 
him the reason of our being there. 

He recovered himself, and, after making 
sure that we could not be overheard, he con- 
tinued : “ Almar, the Queen has taken me into 
her confidence. Her Majesty fears the worst, 
and, therefore, bade me secretly prepare to 
meet it — under no conditions will she consent 
to their demands. The city gates have been 
quietly garrisoned — the palace is filled with 


54 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


troops. All of our loyal nobles have been 
secretly massing their followers to hurry them 
to the city, if necessary. The Queen will appeal 
to the townsmen, who are devoted to her, and 
who, we hope, will rally to her standard, and 
yet — and yet,” he continued sadly, and rather 
doubtfully, “the Princes outnumber her doubly 
— their followers are trained in war, and, urged 
by their traitor lords, they will wage unrelenting 
war. Well — it is in the hands of the gods — 
theirs to do or undo. We must needs but do 
our best and prepare ourselves for the struggle. 
As for you, Almar,” he went on, turning to me, 
“ the Queen bade me specially charge you to 
hold yourself near her in case the Princes should 
prove turbulent, for, while she, above all things, 
desires peace, yet she trusts to your judgment 
and loyalty to save her from any indignity. 
And now,” he continued, “let us to breakfast,” 
and, taking my arm we went in and ate. There 
was not much talking at the table. The anxious 
mood of our leader seemed to be contagious, 
for all were quiet and restless. After eating, 
the men began to assemble, and then, after 
giving a few more orders, the gates were thrown 
open, and we rode forward toward the palace. 

Early as it was, we were not the only ones 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


55 


upon the street. Already the city had begun 
to take upon itself a holiday aspect. Trades- 
men, attired in their best apparel, chatted with 
one another in the street, and watched the occa- 
sional bodies of mounted men sweep onward 
through the streets toward the palace. As we 
drew nearer to the gates of the palace the 
crowds became denser, and our progress more 
and more impeded. Had it not been for the 
burden upon our minds, we might have enjoyed 
watching the confusion. No townsmen were 
allowed within the palace gate, so the great 
crowd stood without them, endeavoring to see 
within, and consequently getting in the way of 
those who tried to enter. What with the horses 
rearing, and the riders shouting and swearing, 
and the merry jests of the crowd when some of 
the less watchful of their fellows got in the way 
and were pushed and buffeted about, we might 
have had no little diversion. However, on this 
occasion these things only made us the more 
impatient, and I was not sorry when, at last, we 
entered. Within the palace yard we found the 
Queen’s troops facing the gate in double files, 
and, as we progressed, we continually met 
them, showing that the Queen was taking every 
precaution. At the great door of the palace 


5 ^ 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Ave dismounted and went within. Again we 
passed through double files of guards, and 
made our way through the spacious hallway to 
the great audience chamber, where the Queen 
was Avont to give audience to the nobles and 
the people. 

Already there was quite a gathering of her 
adherents there, and we were greeted with a 
warm welcome. We had been there but a few 
moments when an officer of the household 
approached and informed Lord Zelad that the 
Queen desired his presence in the council 
chamber. Beckoning me to follow him, we went 
thither. Besides ourselves, there were possibly 
half a dozen others present, among whom I 
recognized the most prominent of the royal 
nobles. It appears that they had been awaiting 
our arrival, and we saw that the waiting had not 
improved the temper of the Queen. She greeted 
Lord Zelad, nevertheless, with a smile of wel- 
come, and then, in clear, distinct tones, she out- 
lined to us her plan of action. As I stood on 
one side unnoticed, listening to her resolute 
words, and watching her determined manner, I 
could scarcely recognize in her the same woman 
into whose presence I had been led but a few 
days before. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


57 


Presently the captain of the palace guard 
entered and, advancing to the throne, bent one 
knee in salutation. “Well,” she exclaimed, 
“have my orders been obeyed?” “Yes, oh. 
Queen.” “ And the troops are in readiness to 
close the palace gates at a moment’s notice? ” 
“Yes, oh. Queen.” “ Have you concealed those 
bands without the audience chamber so that 
they may enter, if necessary?” “I have, oh. 
Queen.” “And the royal guard, in the cham- 
ber itself, are they heavily armed ? ” “ Beneath 
his mantle, every man is armed to the teeth.” 
“’Tiswell,” was the answer; “you will obey 
the other orders I have given you according to 
my signal.” “Yes, oh. Queen,” and with that 
he saluted and retired. Barely had he left when 
another entered, and saluted the Queen. 
“Well?” she asked, sharply. “ Oh, Queen,” 
was the answer, “ the Prince of Gravas has just 
entered the palace gates, and the Prince of 
Alcazeda is close behind.” “ ’Tis well,” again 
answered the Queen; “go to the audience 
chamber and bring me instant news of their 
entrance.” He hurried away, and then she 
turned toward us. “ Now, my lords,” she 
continued, “you must take your places and 
bear my wishes well in mind, I commend myself 


58 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


to you,” and with that we returned to the great 
audience chamber. By that time it had become 
well filled. 

Scarcely had we entered and taken our 
positions when there a was flourish of trumpets, 
and loud shouts announced the entrance of the 
Prince of Gravas — then another flourish, and 
this time the shouts announced Prince Alcazeda. 
Surrounded by their retainers, they advanced and 
stationed themselves near the throne. Another 
blare of the trumpets, and the royal trum- 
peters announced the coming of the Queen. She 
entered, followed by her chamberlain and other 
officers of the household. As she came into 
view I marveled more than before at the great- 
ness of the woman, for all the traces of worry 
and anxiety, which had disturbed her but a 
moment before, had disappeared. With a face 
so smooth and unruffled that it reflected the 
calm majesty of a sleeping goddess, she moved 
toward the throne. Like a queen, indeed, she 
seated herself upon it. 

Then began the monotonous ceremony of 
opening the court. With another terrific blare 
the trumpets again burst forth. Then the high 
priest began to invoke the blessings and the 
favor of the gods upon the land — upon its 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


59 


people — upon its priesthood and upon its 
Queen. Then began a low chanting, which 
ceased every now and then, that he might con- 
tinue his invocation, and, when he had ceased, 
began again. But my mind was too busy with 
other thoughts to listen long to his words, and 
in my unquiet, I fell to watching the scene. 

The hall itself was a long, rectangular cham- 
ber, perhaps three times as long as it was 
broad, and at the northern end was the throne ; 
the floor here was raised, so that it overlooked 
the rest of the chamber, which led to it by sev- 
eral wide steps. The throne was an immense 
chair, elaborately designed, and above it 
was suspended a beautiful canopy, all being 
designed of gold and black and the royal 
purple. The Queen herself, outside of her 
crown of gold and jewels, was completely clad 
in the same rich color. 

The hall to the right and left of the throne 
was filled with nobles and their followers, though 
none of the latter but that were well born, since 
no others were allowed to enter the court. Care 
had been specially taken to-day that those who 
were so close to the Queen should be her own 
friends. To the south of these, and upon either 
side of the hall, were the followers of the Princes, 


6o 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


that of my brother being upon the left, and 
Alcazeda on the right. As my eye ran over 
them, I saw that the Queen’s precautions had 
not been in vain, for they had each brought an 
immense number of followers that outnumbered 
those of the Queen’s many times. 

From this I boded no good, for to me it 
seemed as if this had not been done without a 
purpose, and knowing the character of the men 
with whom we had to deal, the knowledge of 
the mail concealed under our mantles tended 
quite a little to comfort me. There was another 
incident which also aided our cause. In order 
to swell their retinue, the Princes had brought 
in their train many who were not well born, 
and had no right to be present. Under ordi- 
nary circumstances these would not have been 
permitted to enter, yet, owing to their boldness 
in so doing, and the critical condition of affairs, 
no objection had been made. Their presence 
might have proved a serious danger, had not 
the alert captain of the guard separated them 
from their chiefs in the following manner : In 
addition to the nobility, it was the custom on 
festival days to admit the well-to-do townsmen, 
but between them and the nobles a line of the 
royal guard was placed, several ranks deep. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


6i 


Within this line, none but those of noble birth 
were admitted. N ow the watchful captain would 
admit none but such within, and so, in a measure, 
defeated the object for which these others had 
been brought. As the guards were veteran 
troops, and in addition heavily armed, I hoped 
somehow they would hold their line intact. 
Beyond them, the entire hall was filled with a 
promiscuous gathering of townsmen and those 
others just mentioned, save down the middle of 
the hall, where a space was held open to admit 
petitioners to the throne. 

In spite of the impending danger, the eye 
could not help being charmed by the sight of 
such magnificent splendor. First it fell upon 
the richly colored throne with its purple draping, 
and then upon either side of the Queen, her 
friends, and waving above their heads her ban- 
ners of purple and gold. Upon the left of the 
hall were the deep blue standards of Gravas, 
and beneath them the groups of his followers, 
each showing the colors of its particular house. 
Directly opposite and facing them were the dark 
green standards of Alcazeda ; to the south were 
the lines of the royal guards, in their own 
particular uniform. Then beyond, the motley 
collection of the townsmen, and the soldiers* 


62 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Around all rose the dark marble walls of the 
chamber. 

Just here a stir occurred, and I noticed the 
high priest had finished. The Queen was rising 
to address the people. So deep was the silence 
that her voice could easily be heard all over the 
hall. As was the custom of such occasions, 
she was proclaiming that it now pleased her to 
hear such as might have petitions to the throne. 
For the space of a few moments, no one 
answered. Then the Prince Alcazeda was seen 
to arise and approach the throne. I felt my 
blood leap on faster as I saw him, for I realized 
that the first move in the game for a kingdom 
was being made. He bowed courteously before 
the Queen, craving permission to be heard. 
Though she must have suspected the meaning 
of his action, yet, closely as I watched her, her 
face did not betray the slightest evidence of any 
such knowledge. With a smile so gracious that 
you might have thought him the most favored 
among her subjects, she motioned him to 
proceed. 

By this time I could hardly restrain my agi- 
tation. For days I had been wondering if their 
discovery of me at the castle had caused a 
change in their plans or not. Now, at last, I 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


63 


was going to find out. Nor do I believe I was 
the only one who leaned forward to catch the 
words of the speaker. 

“Oh, Queen,” he began, “you have given 
me permission to speak, and I, your servant, 
humbly thank you. It is not for us to take to 
ourselves the government of your realm, nor 
unasked, to advise our Queen. Far be it that 
we should so forget ourselves, and yet, Queen 
Hosyra, we who have passed by the thoughtless 
ways of youth, and passed into serious man- 
hood, know that it is not meet that the troubles 
of the realm should be suffered to fall upon 
your shoulders alone. For the times are become 
troublous, and the need of a strong man’s hand 
is felt. Our land is beset from without, and 
annoyed from within. From the provinces 
come the rumors of impending invasion. The 
streets of your city are troubled with the broils 
of lawless men, so that it is not well to pass 
unarmed. The citizens are filled with a strange 
unrest, and men would that the late Regent 
were still here to assist the Queen. Therefore, 
oh. Queen Hosyra, I, who am but the mouth- 
piece of these, your subjects, pray that it may 
not seem unwise to you to accede to our request, 
and let some such a one by your favor be m.ade 


64 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Regent, until quiet shall have been restored, 
and the Queen choose to marry.” 

The Queen, all the while that he had been 
speaking, had sat watching him with a curious 
smile. It was evident their plans had not been 
changed, and this placed her at her ease, or, at 
least, apparently so, for what really passed in 
the heart of this woman when she played at the 
game of cunning none might know. When he 
had finished, she laughed softly to herself, and 
said, “And pray, my lord, whither shall I to 
seek such a man, for surely you are too modest, 
by far, to have offered yourself? ” 

This was said as if she would have turned 
the matter into a jest, and so passed it over, 
but the old fox was not so to be trapped, and 
replied, “ The gods forbid, oh Queen, that I 
should be the sounder of my own praises. It 
is not myself whom the people would have you 
honor. Old as is my house, and true in its 
devotion to the throne, there is another yet as 
old, and another yet as loyal. I speak of the 
house of Gravas.” Scarce had the words fallen 
from his lips ere it seemed they had been the 
signal for an outburst of enthusiastic demon- 
stration. From his own party, as well as from 
my brother s, from the townsmen and from the 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


6S 


soldiers scattered amongst them, rose the shout, 
“ Gravas ! Gravas ! Gravas ! ” whilst the blue 
pennons and banners of my house rose and 
fluttered above the heads of the shouting men, 
till, for a moment, I had almost forgot and 
fancied I was under them once again — under 
them on the field of battle, where more than 
once they had waived in glory o’er a stricken 
field. It was several minutes ere the tumultu- 
ous noise died away, and I found myself again 
watching the Queen. 

I could see the outburst had somewhat 
affrighted her, not so much at its mere noise, 
but that she took it as a sign of my brother’s 
strength, and the enthusiasm of his party ; but 
in this she was slightly deceived, for much of 
the shouting came from the townsmen, who, 
being out on a holiday, and not suspecting that 
aught was beneath the surface, had as lief 
shouted for one as for another. Indeed, the 
Princes themselves, I think, had cunningly relied 
upon this, but if they had counted upon mere 
shouting to overawe her, they had reckoned 
without their host. I saw her face harden 
gradually, and her eyes begin to flash, and I 
felt my breath coming faster as I thought of the 
struggle I could see coming on. She waited 


66 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


until the noise grew fainter — waited until it died 
away, and there came in its place a silence 
which grew, until it seemed oppressive in con- 
trast with the clamor which had gone. Then she 
leaned forward, and, without rising, addressed 
the speaker. She asked him coldly if that were 
all, or if he had yet more to say. 

This was the opportunity for which he had 
been waiting, so he bowed and craved her 
indulgence once again. He said that there was 
still something upon his mind — something of 
which he would fain speak. There was a strange 
prophecy, he said, in one of the songs of the 
land, which song, so our harpers tell us, was 
sung hundreds of years ago. Father taught 
it to son, and so it had come down to us, fore- 
telling of great calamity which should befall the 
kingdom in the reign of a maiden Queen. 
Among the people some idle gossips had 
brought this old tale to life, and it had taken 
hold upon the people’s fancy, and they had 
grown fearful of it. Even the wiser would 
shake their heads ominously, and wish that the 
Queen were married. Therefore he besought 
the Queen, not merely because of an old and 
silly tale, but rather that the unrest should be 
banished from the hearts of the people, and the 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


67 


succession be made assured, to lend an indul- 
gent ear — to listen to the prayer of her court 
and deem it wise to marry. 

As I looked at the Queen, who, in turn, was 
watching him, I could see she ever grew more 
and more angry, until he had finished, when 
she gave vent to her feelings. And surely, 
my lord,” she said, ironically, “ seeing that you 
were so thoughtful in presenting me with a 
Regent, it cannot be that you have overlooked 
the husband. Is it also, my Lord of Gravas ? ” 

Alcazeda, though he must have noticed the 
irony in her words, was far too keen-witted to 
let himself feel it, much less betray the fact, so 
he only answered courteously — telling her that 
while he was ever ready for the Queen’s good, 
to speak for others, yet, when it came to woo- 
ing, each man must woo for himself, and so he 
prayed the Queen that she might let him offer 
his suit ; and withal, he did it so neatly and 
courteously that she could not justly be angered 
at it, and yet this very fact angered her but the 
more, for he spoke so wisely that it won him 
many friends, and the Queen found herself 
forced to hide her anger, and smile upon him, 
lest the people should think her querulous. 
Then he gently asked her for an answer, and 


68 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


ere she could speak there was another outburst 
like that which had greeted my brother’s name, 
and this time the dark green banners of Alca- 
zeda were waved, and his name was heard 
above the din and the shouting. 

There was yet something more that I heard, 
and, as I kept my eyes upon the Queen’s face, 
I could see by the slight paleness which, despite 
her effort, made its way there, that she detected 
it also. For the conspirators and their follow- 
ers had already discerned that the Queen was 
inclined to refuse to accede to their plan, and 
this time there was an undertone of defiance in 
their shout. Again the Queen waited till the 
shouts had died away, and, as she at last arose, 
I could see she had to some extent recovered 
herself She stood there silent before the 
people. It was a striking scene. She was 
ever beautiful, this woman, or, at least, she was 
ever so to me ; but now, she was queenly as 
well. There she stood, radiant in her robes 
and jewels of state, which seemed to gather 
lustre because she wore them — her mantle cov- 
ering one arm and shoulder, and leaving bare 
the other, with which hand she held upright the 
long bejewelled staff of office. Nor was I the 
only one who felt the influence of her beauty — 



There she stood, radia7it in her robes and jewels of state . — Page 68, 





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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


69 


for suddenly, as she stood there, from some- 
where in the great hall, there came a murmur, 
as if of admiration ; it swelled, and then burst 
forth into a tumultuous roar, “The Queen! 
The Queen 1 Now her banners tossed — 
around the throne was a sea of swaying purple 
and gold, and a hundred swords flashed out, 
“ The Queen I The Queen I ” Beauty had con- 
quered without a word. Nor did the Princes 
fail to see it, and after the first outburst their 
ranks grew silent and sullen. 

Then the Queen raised her hand as if to 
speak, and the shouting ceased. “ My lords, 
and my people, and all who have been seeking 
my welfare, I thank you. And first, let me 
answer my Lord Alcazeda. Do not, my lord, 
if my answer be not yes, think that I am not 
sensible of the debt we owe to the loyalty of 
your house. And neither is our answer no. 
For you must bear in mind that the Queen is 
still young, and has had scarcely time to turn 
her thoughts to marriage. Neither is she 
unmindful of her subjects' wishes, and there- 
fore she will consider your suit. It is, as you 
say, but fitting that the Queen should marry, 
and withal, one of such station that, like your- 
self, he should be worthy of becoming a prince 


70 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


consort. But that we may not be over-hasty in 
so weighty a matter, we think it proper to give it 
serious consideration, and will make our answer 
public this day week. Does our answer satisfy 
you ? ” To this he bowed assent. 

This moderation on the Queen’s part I 
guessed was not without its object. She wished 
to show the townsmen and those of her friends, 
upon whose support she would have to rely, 
that she was not swayed by mere personal feel- 
ings, but that they could rely upon her to use 
deliberate judgment in her actions. Nor was 
it without its effect. Seeing this she went on. 
“ Now, my lord,” still addressing Alcazeda, 
“ concerning your other request, that we appoint 
a Regent, — my lord, we must confess that we 
consider the request an ill-chosen and a use- 
less one. Wherefore have we any need of 
a Regent ? Because some weak-headed old 
gossips have grown fearful of an earthly tale, — 
because some brawling retainers are too ill-man- 
nered to keep my streets peaceful, — because 
of some wild rumors of robber bands, who have 
troubled our frontiers? Nay, we must con- 
fess, that we see no such need. Moreover,” 
she went on, “ we may shortly take to ourselves 
a consort, to whom, in case of need, we will 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


71 


appoint full powers of Regent. And therefore 
we must refuse to grant your wish.” 

At this juncture my brother, who, having 
seen his plans checkmated one by one, could 
no longer restrain himself “ Nay, O Queen,” 
he cried, impatiently, “and what if our country 
actually be invaded, — what if an army be even 
now marching against the capital ? Who is to 
go forth to meet them?” His quick sharp 
words brought every one back again to the 
need of a leader, and I do not know what might 
have happened if the ready wit of the Queen 
had not come to her assistance. 

“Who shall march forth,” she cried, ere the 
words of the Prince could take effect, “who 
shall march forth ? Who, indeed, if not the 
Queen’s soldiers, and when the hour comes you 
will see that the Queen will find them a leader.” 
Then she turned and faced him. “And now, 
my Lord of Gravas, I would have a word spe- 
cially with you. It seems that you have in your 
escort one named Barad. Is it not so ? ” To 
which my brother with a half-insolent, half- 
defiant, air assented. “ Then,” continued the 
Queen, in a clear ringing voice, which gathered 
anger as she went on, “ someone has seen fit 
to censure their Queen because of recent dis- 


72 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


order in the city’s streets. We shall now show 
those who provoked such disorder that the 
Queen’s hand is indeed as heavy as a Regent’s. 
Last evening, the litter of the Queen’s maid 
was assaulted by this fellow, and her escort 
beaten. In the darkness she could distinguish 
none but him. Now we shall find a way to 
make him name his fellows. What ho ! guard,” 
she cried, turning to the captain of her guard, 
“ let this fellow be seized.” I gave a gasp ; for 
a moment I was so astonished I could scarcely 
breathe. Did she know what she was doing ? 
It was nothing else than forcing my brother 
to choose between open resistance and com- 
plete submission ; for if he yielded now, all 
further thoughts of success would have to be 
abandoned. 

I do not know whether the Queen had delib- 
erately and boldly planned it so, or whether it 
came to her upon the spur of the moment. 
Either way, however, it was a desperate game 
to play, and by the look that flashed from him 
to Alcazeda, I feared he had chosen to resist, 
and the Queen saw it also, and suddenly real- 
ized fully what an issue she had forced. I could 
see she trembled somewhat, though her manner 
did not change. She motioned to the captain 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


73 


of her guard, and an officer and a half score of 
men entered the hall. As they passed me I 
saw they were chosen men. They marched 
forward till they reached the spot where my 
brother and his men stood, when, at a quick 
command, they halted and faced him. The 
officer saluted, and waited for the man to give 
himself up. 

The latter, however, had no such idea. He 
knew full well the penalty which awaited him, 
and, being fully as reckless as his master, my 
brother, he simply stood his ground and smiled 
insolently. Nor was he friendless, as the looks 
of the men who stood on either side of him 
betokened. For a moment things remained so. 
The officer, not wishing to thrust aside the 
Prince of Gravas, and the latter making no 
effort to move. Then finding himself blocked, 
the officer looked appealingly to the Queen. 

Now, I know not why, but somehow I 
seemed to feel the end was near at hand. 
Indeed, I could scarce stand still, so I quietly 
bared my long sword to make my mind easier ; 
nor was I the only one who felt the crisis had 
come, for I noticed peaceful old Lord Zelad 
gently undoing the clasp of his mantle, so 
that he might drop it more easily. As for the 


74 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Queen, I know not how she felt ; for Indeed, 
before that sullen, defiant attitude of the fol- 
lowers of the two Princes, surrounded by them 
as she was, she might well have faltered, but 
instead, she drew herself up, and, looking 
squarely at my brother, she asked: “Well, 
my lord, do you intend to deliver this man over 
or not ? ” 

Such a question was exactly what the Prince 
of Gravas had been waiting for, so he shrug- 
ged his shoulders, and answered, sneeringly : 
“ Surely, O Queen, I am not detaining him. 
Once I remember the Queen rebuked me 
because I could not keep order in my castle. 
Does she now need my help to keep order in 
her palace ? ” and as he spoke there was a tone 
of irony in his voice that all men could hear, 
and though he had said he did not detain the 
man, yet neither did he move. 

The Queen guessed his purpose, and she 
grew angry ; but when she looked at the num- 
ber against her, and saw how thin was the line 
of guards between the outer crowd and our- 
selves, and the, fewness of her friends and the 
many of the enemy, her courage gave way, 
and she dared no longer force him. Gradually 
the full extent of her humiliation stole over her^ 


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75 


and she grew white — white as the sacred lily, 
while her voice seemed strangled in her throat. 
I could look at her no longer. I turned to my 
brother. He had seen her waver and give way, 
and on his face lurked a smile of triumph — yes, 
of triumph ! I saw it there. It was the smile 
he had worn when my father cursed me, and 
drove me away. Then the spirit of venge- 
ance filled me, and with a wild cry I sprang 
forward. 

I could see them look, with a look of aston- 
ishment, as I came, and then I was upon them. 
They had no time to draw — no time for aught, 
save to fall back like huddled sheep from before 
the circle of my sword — all save Barad, who 
had seen me coming. He had succeeded in 
drawing his sword and, standing his ground, 
tried to guard from my stroke with his weapon ; 
but the shock drove it from his hands, and ere 
he could move, even as the hounds bear down 
the deer, so some of the guards, who had been 
watching their opportunity, flung themselves 
upon him, and bore him to the ground, while 
the others threw themselves in a circle around 
him. Though the fierce suddenness of my 
onslaught had for a moment made my brother’s 
party give way, yet scarce had the guard formed 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


their circle ere the hall was filled with drawn 
swords. 

I know not what might have happened now, 
had not the Queen recovered her wits, and 
come to our aid. “ Hold ! '' what means this, she 
cried out loudly? “Strike but one blow, and 
I bid the palace guard enter, and every man 
that bears a sword shall die ! ” Then she gave 
a signal to the captain, and heavy columns of 
the guard quickly entered from the doors close 
on either side of the throne. In a moment 
they had placed themselves around her and 
her party. 

On hearing her threat, and seeing the 
entrance of her troops, Alcazeda, whose policy 
it was to egg on my brother, and yet not 
endanger himself, gave the signal for his men 
to sheath their weapons, and this left my 
brother’s followers with no other alternative 
than to lower their’s also, and submit, which 
they did, sullenly. All save my brother. He 
alone remained unconquered. For a moment, 
so terrible was his anger, that he could not 
speak, and I thought he would have tried to 
dash upon the Queen and slay her, despite the 
dense line of guards around her, yet his judg- 
ment told him that for the present his cause 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


77 


was hopelessly lost ; so he only stood there, 
glaring like a madman. Presently he found his 
voice, and then I came in for my share of his 
enmity. In a great rage, he demanded my life 
from the Queen. 

“ Of what use to me,” he cried, angrily, “is 
my princely rank, if this outcast, of my own 
house, be permitted to hurl insult in my face 
and go free. How long, O Queen,” he de- 
manded, furiously, “ is this man to prey upon 
my life, slay my people, and disgrace me before 
the land ? ” But the Queen had a temper of 
her own, and now that she felt herself secure, 
had no mind to keep it under. 

“How long?” she cried, “my Prince of 
Gravas, how long ? As long as he does it in 
the Queen’s service, and more — he shall not 
alone go free, but shall be rewarded as well — 
so that all men may see the Queen can reward 
as well as punish. Ho ! come hither,” she 
cried, turning to me, “ that men may no longer 
call you an outcast, we shall ennoble you, and 
that you may not be without a heritage, we 
bestow upon you our own estates. Kneel, 
Duke Almar, and swear fealty to me.” This I 
did, and with right good grace too. Then the 
Queen turned again to my brother, for she had 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


not yet finished with him. “ And mark you, 
Prince of Gravas,” she cried, “ we are not overly 
much pleased with your conduct, and were it 
not for the memory of the late Prince, your 
father, we might have dealt more sternly with 
you.” 

She commanded that the chamber be cleared, 
and that Alcazeda, whom she now understood 
quite well, should be kept apart from my 
brother ; she graciously commanded him to offer 
her his escort from the hall. He, knowing he 
could not well disobey, and thinking, perhaps, 
he had an opportunity to further his chances of 
marriage, did so, quite courteously, and his fol- 
lowers, seeing the Queen thus favor him, were 
at a loss to know what course to follow, and did 
nothing. Alone, my brother could do naught 
against the numbers of the guard, and thus, 
this audience of the Queen’s, that had been 
so fraught with danger to her, passed quietly 
over, and the plans of the conspirators came to 
naught. 


CHAPTER V 


A ll through the coming week, the Queen’s 
troops, and those of the loyal nobles, in 
obedience to her secret orders, kept 
moving into the city, and around it, so that it 
began to take upon itself the appearance of a 
great camp, and soon, it was impossible to pass 
within or without except with her permission. 
In this, and in many other ways, she made prepa- 
ration for the evil day. For, though she had 
laughed at the prophecy, yet when she thought 
of her troubles, the memory grew afresh, and 
as the storm clouds came nearer, and made the 
day grow dark, it came ghostlike from out of 
the gloom, and raised a secret fear in her heart. 

Indeed, there was much to worry her in 
those days, for she was beset with many doubts. 
As yet, none of the messengers had returned 
with any news of the invaders ; and until she 
learned definitely of the danger to be feared 
from them, she could do nothing. If they were 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


mere marauders, she might marry Alcazeda, 
and against their combined forces, Gravas 
would be powerless. His power could be 
broken at her leisure. But, if the enemy 
should threaten the capital, my brother might 
ally himself with them, and by their assistance, 
place himself upon the throne. Therefore, she 
kept secret spies upon the Princes, so that they 
might not leave the city secretly, since they 
could do no harm so long as she kept them in 
the city. Moreover, she encouraged Alcazeda, 
and had him at court daily, so that he might 
think his suit was prospering, and in order to 
advance it the better, might desert my brother. 
Nor was the Queen altogether mistaken in this. 
For Alcazeda though he knew full well the 
Queen loved him but little, yet so long as he 
could grasp the throne, cared little whether she 
married him from love or from policy, and so 
did nought that might anger her against him. 
My brother, on the other hand, sulked in his 
quarters, and would not come to court. 

So stood matters until the fourth day after 
the holiday, when a summons came from the 
palace. I was still abiding with Lord Zelad, 
but as guest, no longer as his man. The sum- 
mons was urgent, and demanded our immediate 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


8i 


presence at the palace. With much concern as 
to its cause, we hurriedly set out upon our way, 
and soon reached the palace gates. There we 
found one of the court officers who saluted us, 
and desired that we follow him into the Queen’s 
presence. Within a few moments, we entered 
the chamber where she sat. Beside her stood 
Izeil, and before her, were the rest of her 
nobles. Upon one side stood a courier, cov- 
ered with dust from riding. He must have 
ridden far and long, as one could see from the 
look in his face. As we entered. Queen Hosyra 
gave a sigh of relief, and turning to the man, 
bade him repeat his story. He had just reached 
the capital from the borders. He had ridden 
along the border for several days, and could see 
nor hear nothing of the invaders. When the 
man had finished his story the Queen nodded, 
and he withdrew. She watched him until he 
was gone, and then turned to us. 

“Well, my lords,” she exclaimed, “at last 
we have something definite. Surely this must 
simplify matters somewhat. Let us now con- 
sult, that we may decide upon a definite plan of 
action.” And then she questioned one, and 
then another as to their views. Some wished that 
she should appoint Gravas Regent, and others 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


that she should marry Alcazeda, and some 
advised one thing- and some another. While 
they disputed, Lord Zelad and I waited quietly 
until the Queen would have his advice, and 
then he suggested that she should do as she 
willed. For, wherefore, was she Queen, if not 
that her wish was law ; and, he continued, she 
had her gallant subjects — the capital was hers, 
and he was sure that if she showed firmness 
and acted diplomatically, everything would 
smooth over. 

Then the Queen turned to me, and bade me 
speak my mind. I felt that it was due to my 
new rank that she did so, not to any value she 
placed upon my opinion. Nevertheless, I told 
her resolutely that, though it ill became me to 
advise against the counsels of older and wiser 
men, yet it seemed to me that the readiest way 
out of the difficulty was to clap both the Princes 
into prison, and hold them as hostages for the 
good behavior of their men. Then she could 
marry how or whom she pleased, and could 
release them when it best suited her pleasure. 
When I had finished speaking, I saw that my 
words had pleased the Queen, for they agreed 
with her own wishes, though she would not 
have it appear so, especially as she feared 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


83 


somewhat to go against the counsels of the 
majority, lest it offend them, and as things 
stood, she feared to do this. So, after having 
discovered our feelings, she at length dismissed 
us with her thanks, and bade us come on the 
morrow. 

One of the nobles present invited Lord 
Zelad and myself to accompany him to his 
quarters, and we were about leaving the 
chamber when I saw Izeil beckon to me, as if 
she wished to attract my attention. Thinking 
the Queen had intrusted her with a message 
for me, I excused myself for a few moments, 
assuring him I would arrive there shortly. 
That my waiting might not be noticeable, I 
made a pretense of talking with the court 
maids, who had entered after the meeting had 
been dismissed. Now I had good chance to 
see how fine a bird fine feathers could make 
one. They began to make much of me, and 
they would have it that everything that I said 
was either clever or witty, only they laughed 
when I would have been clever, and looked 
serious when I would have made merry, until 
the Queen, who had been watching them with 
an amused smile, beckoned me, and asked me 
in a low tone if I were disposed to act the 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


gallant and escort a certain timid young maid, 
who was going into the city, but feared to go 
with any protector less redoubtable than myself. 
Guessing that she desired it, I assured her of 
my willingness, and was curious to know the 
lady’s name. However, she only laughed a 
little, and bade me hold myself in readiness. 
Then callinor to her maidens she rose to leave 

o 

the council room ; whereat all the maids 
pretended to regret leaving me, and one of them, 
more saucy than the rest, would have had me 
promise to come back again, at which the Queen 
laughed roundly, and bade her be silent. Then 
gathering her maids about her she departed. 

While I was waitinor I fell to wonderlnc’^ 

O <'> 

what could be the meaning of this new turn of 
affairs ; whether it had any significance, or was 
merely an escapade on the part of one of her 
women. However, I had not much time to 
spend in thinking, for I soon heard some one 
coming softly, and then I perceived my charge. 
She was hooded so that I could not see her 
face, but she came toward me, and after looking 
at me for a moinent she placed her hand 
lightly upon my arm, as If to show me that she 
was ready. She led me toward the court-yard, 
tripping lightly by my side. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


85 


The manner in which she kept herself 
hooded puzzled me, and made me curious to 
know more of this strange affair. But when I 
spoke and questioned her, she only shook her 
head, and I could hear her laughing under her 
hood. 

Now I cannot abide being made sport of, so 
when I heard her laugh, I drew myself up as if 
I cared not in the least who she might be, and 
walked stiffly by her side. With a woman’s 
quick instinct, however, she detected my humor 
and pressed my arm ever so gently, so that I 
straightway forgot to be angry, and grew still 
more curious to know whom she might be. In 
a few moments we reached the court yard, and 
then we found a litter awaiting her, which she 
entered. A groom likewise held my horse, and 
near by, an officer of the guard, with a score of 
mounted men, awaited us. She nodded to the 
leader, and we set out. All the while I was 
riding beside the litter I tried hard to imagine 
whom she might be, but though I puzzled 
my head sorely, I could not guess. 

Finally the escort stopped before the 
doorway of a building of some pretensions. 
Dismounting quickly, I hastened to assist her. 
A knock soon brought some one to open the 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


door, and as she was about to enter she turned 
and for the first time spoke. She thanked me 
very kindly, and bade me promptly return at 
sunset. Her voice sounded somehow quite 
familiar, and yet, muffled as it was by the hood, 
I could not recognize it. My face must have 
betrayed the state of my mind, for as she 
turned to enter she looked back and I was sure 
I could hear her laughing. The captain of 
the guard approached, saluted, and informed 
me he had received orders from the Queen to 
continue as my escort until I returned to the 
palace. Our whereabouts were strange to me, 
so I bade him to set out, if he knew the way, 
for Lord Zelad’s quarters, where after some 
riding we arrived. 

By this time it was past noon, and I was 
ushered by the servant toward the dining-hall. 
The company were seated about the board. 
At the head of the table sat Sir John, and when 
he espied me, he had me take a place at his 
right. The company was quiet, reflecting the 
humor of its leader ; nor was I myself much 
disposed to be talkative, for the events of the 
morning had given me much to think over. 
One thing was evident ; the majority of the 
Queen’s supporters were for peace, and it 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


87 


hardly seemed probable that she would act in 
direct opposition to their counsels. So I was 
not a whit sorry, when, after we had dined. 
Lord Zelad intimated that he would like to talk 
over the affairs of the morning. 

I found he was full of talk of the council, and 
when we were alone, he soundly berated those 
who would have the Queen show weakness in 
the face of the storm. He likewise strongly 
commended my advice to the Queen, declaring 
it to be the only safe way out of the difficulty. 
Then recalling my absence, he was curious to 
know the reason of it. I told him of the mis- 
sion the Queen had sent me on, and how I was 
puzzled at the lady’s identity ; but he only ral- 
lied me for not finding out her name, declaring 
that had such a thing happened him at my age, 
he would have seen the lady’s face ere he had 
left the palace. 

Suddenly he grew serious, and questioned 
me closely. He made me recount the whole 
affair very carefully to him, and describe the 
place where she had gone. Then he was silent 
for a few moments as if something puzzled him. 
However, he could recognize neither the place 
nor the lady from my description. Then he 
asked me if I had not obtained even the 


88 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


slightest clue, and I said, nothing save the 
voice, which had sounded strangely familiar. 
He remained for a moment lost in thought, then 
as if forgetful of my presence, he exclaimed, as 
if speaking more to himself than to me, “ No, 
it cannot be, — widi all her daring, she would 
never be so foolhardy.” For a moment I did 
not grasp his meaning, then suddenly it flashed 
upon me. He suspected it was the Queen. If 
so, this would account for her refusing to give 
me the lady’s name, as well as for the hood. 
W ell, if so, I made up my mind to make sure, 
once we had started on our way home. 

As may well be imagined, the evening did not 
come any too quickly for me. Since our talk. 
Lord Zelad had seemed to become worried, and 
so I said nothing more to him about it. At last 
the afternoon wore itself out, and I was glad 
when I felt myself once more in the saddle. 
As the leader of the guard had apparently 
received his orders from the Queen, I forbore 
questioning him. We rode onward in silence, 
he leading the way. The streets of the city 
were. quiet, the noise and bustle of work were 
hushed, the townsmen with their families sat 
within the doorways, resting after the day’s toil, 
and both horses and men, as we slowly rode 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


89 


onward, seemed affected by the quiet that per- 
vaded the town. Ere long we were again at 
the gate where I had left my charge, some hours 
before. This time I noted carefully the appear- 
ance of the building, so that I might know it 
again. One of the men knocked, and after a 
short interval she came out promptly, and let 
me assist her into the litter. I sprang upon 
my horse, and we bore away toward the palace. 

“Now,"’ thought I, “in order to remain 
unseen, she will bid me, as soon as we reach 
the palace gates, leave her, and dismiss myself.” 
With each step of my horse, I saw the chance 
to find out who she was slipping further and 
further away, until finally I got almost angry. 
Nevertheless I made up my mind to notice as 
much as I could, for future reference. I would 
note her height as carefully as I could, in assist- 
ing her from the litter, — perhaps she had some 
ring by which I might identify her again, and 
also when she thanked me, as no doubt she 
would, I would carefully note the sound of her 
voice, and if it were the Queen, I felt sure I 
should know it. Having thus settled upon my 
plan, I waited contentedly until we should reach 
the palace. 

As we drew nearer to it, I began to fear the 


90 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


gathering darkness might yet defeat my curi- 
osity. But we entered the court-yard without a 
sign from her and rode straight to the palace 
door. Here, thought I, is where she will dismiss 
me, and so before she had time to speak, I has- 
tened to the litter. She gave me her little hand 
and sprang lightly to the ground. Then, nod- 
ding dismissal to the guard, instead of sending 
me away, she took my arm so familiarly that I 
forgot all about my intentions. We entered 
the palace and went toward the Queen’s pri- 
vate apartments. At the entrance to them she 
suddenly halted. The part of the palace we 
were standing in was deserted by all save us. 
Above our heads hung a lighted lamp, shedding 
its light upon my face, while over hers it cast 
the shadow of the hood. For a few moments 
she stood silently watching me, while I stood 
hesitating between the desire to lift her hood 
and not to act discourteously. 

She must have seen this for she began to 
laugh, whereat I grew exasperated and made 
as if I would have raised her hood. She divined 
my intention and adroitly took hold of my hand, 
and, as I would not use force, I was foiled again. 
Then she stopped laughing and stood there 
watching me, even while she held my hand. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


91 


And I — well, not being used to such things, I 
lost my head and told her I would see her face, 
whether or no. 

For a moment she neither moved nor 
spoke, but watched me, then letting go my 
hand, she bade me, since I was so bent upon it, 
raise her hood. Somehow, when I heard this, 

I felt ashamed ; but my curiosity was now so 
great that I could no longer contain myself. I 
felt sure it was the Queen. I took hold of the 
hood and raised it. The light fell upon the 
upturned face of Izeil. I was so astonished I 
could scarcely speak. I do not know why I 
should have felt disappointed, but I did, and I 
dare say Izeil saw it in my face, for she silently 
replaced the hood upon her head. As I saw 
her do this, I thought surely she must be angry 
because I perforce raised her hood, and so I 
would have made amends. But she only shook 
her head, and made as if she would leave me. 
However, I had no mind to let her go thus 
offended, and I gently laid hold of her arm and 
would not let her go. 

At this she pretended to be angry and 
demanded of me by what right did I detain 
her, and I swore that she should not go till she 
had forgiven me. “Go to, my lord,'’ she said, 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


attempting- to hide her confusion under her old, 
gay manner, “you are stupid, which is not new 
to me ; but I am as much so, and for that I 
should be ashamed of myself” Here were 
puzzles with a vengeance, and though I could 
not understand the meaning of her words, I 
guessed that in some way it was a rebuke. I 
also saw that for some reason she was angry 
with herself as well. So I said, a little impati- 
ently, “Nay, Izeil, your words savor too much 
of the riddle. Surely what you have to say 
can be said plainly.” 

My speech must have hurt her, for she cast 
down her eyes, but after a short pause she 
again looked up, and a strange smile came over 
her face. I had never seen a face look so 
before, for though outwardly it wore a smile, 
yet into the sweet, upturned eyes there came a 
look of wondrous, wistful sadness — a sadness 
so hopeless and yet so full of longing that I 
stood by in utter silence. Then the sw'eet 
lips quivered for a moment, and once more she 
drew the hood over her face. From under it I 
heard the words come softly, “Nay, my lord, 
Izeil has naught to say.” She turned quickly 
and passed within the doorway, and I was 
alone. While I stood in the darkened hallway 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


93 


wondering at it all, suddenly the look in her 
face came back to me and, as I beheld it, 
in that same instant, I found its meaning. 
Through Izeil’s eyes love had looked at me. 
A woman loved me, for the first time in my 
life. I know not how long I stood there with 
this thought in my mind. Then I went back 
to the court-yard. Absent-mindedly, I mounted 
my horse and took my way homeward. I 
knew vaguely I Avas alone, and I was glad of 
it. I wanted to be alone. I Vv anted to ponder 
over the strange revelation that had so sud- 
denly come to me. 

As if knowing my feelings, my horse walked 
slowly, and with even steps. Above me from 
the clouded sky the moon shone over my left 
shoulder, casting the shadow of my horse and 
its rider with sharp distinctness upon the 
ground beside us. As we moved on, it looked 
like a phantom rider upon a phantom steed. 
But my mind turned again within itself. Oft 
had I heard the minstrels sing of love, and how 
it would tame the warrior’s spirit. I searched 
within myself for the gentle ecstacy their songs 
told of, but in vain. I could find nothing but a 
restless longing that would leave me no peace, 
but seemed to feed upon its own nameless 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


desire, till not knowing what it was for which I 
yearned so, I could no longer control myself, 
and grew angered. I urged my horse roughly 
into a trot. “ Under what unlucky portence was 
I born!” I cried to myself. “Are the angry 
gods still unappeased ! I, born of a princely 
line, am an outcast from my house. My father, 
whose favorite son I was, condemned and cursed 
me unjustly ; nay, more, dying, he left me no 
blessing. Now the gods send me love, and it 
brings me no happiness.” A clap of thunder 
broke in upon my reflections. I looked up, the 
moon was still shining, but dark clouds were 
rapidly covering the heavens, and would soon 
obscure the light of the moon. Before me, far 
off, a few stars still twinkled, while behind me 
the heavens were blackened. 

I urged my horse faster, again my ear caught 
the sound of rumbling thunder in the distance. 
A large drop of rain fell upon my face. Then 
another upon my hand ; no matter, a turn into 
the next street, and within a few moments, I 
would be under cover. Just as I was about to 
turn, I heard the sharp clatter of horse’s hoofs. 
I reined in sharply, just as a party dashed by. 
It was a party of my brother’s following, and a 
taunting laugh told me the recognition was 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


95 


mutual. I clutched my sword fiercely, but the 
last sounds died quickly away as they disap- 
peared into the darkness ; and, my temper none 
the less improved by the meeting, I rode 
home. As I stood within the covered doorway 
I turned to look at the storm. The scene widi- 
out was the more in harmony with my feeling, 
and I stood there with some satisfaction, wait- 
ing for the storm to break. Ere long it did. A 
clap, heavier than the rest, a lurid glare of 
lightning, and the rain came in such torrents 
that it forced me to seek shelter within. 


CHAPTER VI 


r OR the next few days I was strangely ill 
at ease. Indeed, I was sorely puzzled 
to know the cause of it. What had 
happened, — a woman with love’s light in her 
eyes, had gazed for a moment into mine. 
But why, I asked myself, should this pro- 
duce such a result. I grew unsocial, and 
when kindly Lord Zelad would have ques- 
tioned me, I gave short answers, and he, 
attributing it to my adventure, with true 
knightliness, would press me no further. 
Neither would I attend the court. I know not 
why. I think I dreaded lest I should meet 
Izeil. And yet neither was it plain to me why 
I should have wished to avoid her. 

The maid had done me no harm, — nor had 
she wished me any. Surely, I admitted a woman 
can hardly be doing a man harm because she 
loves him. I was sure I did not love the maid, 
nor did I dislike her. Indeed, when I remem- 

96 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


97 


bered now the many little ways in which she 
had tried to show me her love, and which, not 
knowing her meaning at the time, I had let pass 
unnoticed, or had forgotten, just because of 
this gentle love, I grew fonder and more 
attached tc the maid, and yet I felt clearly I 
did not love her. As for the Queen, neither 
did I wish to see her. No doubt she was 
making ready to marry Alcazeda, or perhaps 
my brother, and I knew if I were to go near 
the court and see her dallying with them, I 
should lose my temper. So I kept aw^ay, and 
let her marry whom she would. 

In fact, my old desire to go traveling came 
back strongly, and I told Lord Zelad as much, 
whereat he chid me gently and called me a 
fair-weather soldier, which, had another said, I 
should not have borne so quietly. And I told 
him as much, but he only rallied me the more, 
and withal so kindly, that I grew ashamed, 
and we embraced each other cordially. I never 
knew a man who had such a consoling way 
about him as Lord Zelad. When I was become 
a little better humored and less unreasonable, 
he told me the Queen had noticed my absence. 
While she had said nothing, her treatment of 
him had been such that he suspected she held 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


him in a measure, amenable for my absence, 
and he begged me to overlook any personal 
feelings I might have, and in this, the hour of 
the Queen’s need, stand beside her. He further 
told me that the Queen had summoned her 
friends to another meeting that day to decide 
finally upon her course of action. By this I 
knew he meant Alcazeda’s proposal, and that 
brought back my ill humor, still I agreed to 
accompany him. Much relieved he called for 
our horses, and accordingly we set out together. 

On the way, he made known to me the 
events of the last few days. The Queen, he told 
me, was still quietly gathering such fighting 
men as she felt she could depend upon. The 
hills around the city were studded with their 
tents. Already some fifteen thousand men, 
excluding the Royal Guard, had responded to 
her summons. And of these, fully one-half were 
mounted. The townsmen of the capital had 
been organized into five companies, and were 
being armed. They amounted to several thou- 
sand men, thus bringing the effective strength of 
the Queen to nearly twenty thousand men. As 
opposed to these, were the followers of the 
Princes, numbering, perhaps, two thousand. 
These, however, were nearly all mounted, and 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


99 


all of them tried soldiers. Hence, so long as 
she held the Princes prisoners in the city, she 
was safe. Indeed, the stringent methods she 
had taken to prevent any one leaving the 
cit)', showed that she considered this her chief 
strength. 

Nevertheless, in spite of the fact that they 
were thus imprisoned, rumors came to the 
capital that their agents were no less active 
than the Queen’s. In their distant provinces, 
the chiefs were reported to be quietly gather- 
ing their bands. In view of these rumors, 
spies had been dispatched to ascertain their 
correctness ; but as yet none had returned. 
All these things, and others of less import, 
were communicated to me by Lord Zelad as 
we rode toward the palace. 

As we moved onward there was one thing 
I could not but help noticing, ever and anon 
we passed some followers of the Princes, and 
they were invariably heavily armed, and bore 
conspicuously the colors of their house. When 
in any numbers, they carried themselves with a 
swaggering air, with the evident purpose of 
impressing the townsmen. As one party 
passed us and caught sight of me, I could 
plainly see that they wore no friendly looks. 


lOO 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Presently we arrived at the palace gate. They 
were heavily guarded, as heavily indeed as if a 
foe were at the city gates. They saluted us as 
we entered. Quite a number of our friends 
were there before us, and it was plain to be 
seen from their anxious faces ^hat most of them 
anticipated trouble. 

It was curious to note the demeanor of the 
different men under the thought of impending 
danger. Some were nervous, — one of them I 
noticed sat very quietly all by himself and 
would speak to no one. Some others looked 
worried, a few were resolute, and one old 
fellow, — he must have been older even than 
Lord Zelad, looked positively happy. He 
toyed with his sword, and got annoyed because 
he could find no one to fall in with his humor. 
As he walked up and down the chamber, I 
noticed he was a little lame. I afterwards 
learned this came from old wounds, but despite 
these infirmities he had the reputation of being 
at once the coolest and the most audacious 
fighter in the army. While I watched him 
rather amused, I remembered a story told of 
him in the last war. 

On one occasion, a heavy body of the 
enemy’s foot had taken us in flank, and were 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


lOI 


about to close in upon us, when Lord Altoraz, 
calling his retinue about him, led them, a mere 
handful, against the enemy. In the encounter 
the enemy’s lines were broken, and the column 
forced to halt ; as they turned to return again 
to our lines, one of the enemy hamstrung his 
horse, flinging the old chief to the ground. In 
the wild rush, his men had not noticed their 
leader’s fall, and came back without him. 
Alone, Lord Altoraz struggled to his feet, to 
find himself completely surrounded by the 
enemy. Just as their men were about to cut 
him down, one of their officers, a mounted man, 
noticed his rank and dashed beside him. The 
officer sprang from his horse, and demanded 
his surrender, while the men fell back. Lord 
Altoraz, now to his chagrin, discovered he had 
lost his sword in falling, so politely doffing his 
heavy helmet he dashed it squarely in the 
officer’s face, knocking him down. Ere the 
men could again close in, he was upon the 
fallen man’s steed, had driven his spurs into 
its flanks, and dashed through the astonished 
ranks of the enemy ere they could recover their 
surprise. Amidst the shouts of our entire 
army, he rode back alone to his own lines, 
unhelmed and swordless. He was destined to 


102 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


have at least one more good fight ere his days 
were over, but of that hereafter. At last, he 
began to speak with some one, and I ceased 
watching him. 

By and by, as I stood there waiting for the 
council to be summoned, I was approached by 
one of the Queen’s officers, who informed me 
quietly that the Queen wished to see me before 
the meeting. Wondering what could be the 
meaning of such a summons, I nodded, and 
accompanied him in the direction of her chamber. 

Now there is one thing which I must relate 
now, that what followed may be clear. It seems, 
in these days, that the Queen had grown to 
rely greatly upon Izeil. Nor was this at all 
surprising, for Izeil, though young like herself, 
had despite her youth keen judgment, and 
knew well how to hold inviolate the confidences 
of her mistress. But what attached the Queen 
most strongly to her, was Izeil’ s intense love 
for her. Indeed, I do not think that from the 
first time she saw me drawn away toward the 
Queen’s greater beauty, to the day of her sad 
death, she ever let a thought of self come 
between her and that loyal love. 

Several times had the Queen discussed with 
her the subject of the princely suitors, and each 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


103 


time she had urged the Queen to listen to 
Alcazeda, or at least not to offend him. She 
strongly disliked my brother, for while she 
readily admitted his ability and strength, yet 
she knew that his great selfishness and ambition 
would bring trouble, once he had grasped the 
kingly power, to both the Queen and the king- 
dom as well. Once, when the Queen in a half 
jesting manner, had suggested me, she replied 
that her mistress must remember, that however 
brave and strong I might be, I brought no 
power with me, while the two Princes, angered 
as they would be, could gather their men in 
tens of thousands, so she concluded the Queen 
should choose carefully between whatever feel- 
ing she might possibly have for me and the 
love she owed her people, all of which no doubt 
was quite true. 

There is yet something else which happened 
that morning, which remains to be told. It will 
be remembered that on that memorable occa- 
sion in the audience chamber, the Queen had 
ordered her guards to seize a certain Barad. 
She had determined to intimidate others of his 
kind, by having him publicly executed, on the 
very occasion on which she gave Alcazeda his 
answer. The Prince of Gravas, however, was 


104 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


not a man to leave his friends in the lurch. 
His agents had secretly suborned the guard, so 
that during that very night which had just passed, 
Barad had escaped from the palace dungeon. 

The jailer had furnished him with a large 
cloak, and thus disguised he had attempted to 
make his way out of the palace. At the last 
moment, however, fortune refused to aid him. 
As he walked quietly on through one of the 
lower hallways, he heard footsteps approaching. 
Fearful of being discovered, he abandoned the 
directions given him by the jailer, and hurried 
down another passage. Again the steps urged 
him onward, and again he tried to hide by 
striking sideways. When the sound ceased to 
be heard he found himself lost. With no 
means of getting a light, and fearful of being 
discovered, he determined, after some aimless 
wandering, which only resulted in getting his 
ideas more confused, to conceal himself and 
await a more favorable opportunity. He entered 
several chambers, but could not, in the dark- 
ness, find a suitable place for concealment. In 
the last one he suddenly ran against some 
tapestry. Thanking the gods for this favor, he 
hid himself behind it. When the day at last 
came, it found the tired man asleep. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


105 


It was well into the morning when he awoke, 
and when he did so, he was startled to hear a 
voice close by him. He strained his ears and 
listened. Judge of his surprise to discover it 
to be the Queen’s ; then, too, he recognized 
Izeil’s. He listened till he became sure they 
were alone. With great caution he found a 
parting in the tapestry, and ventured to look 
out. Yes, they were alone, and he could hear 
distinctly now. As he listened, he now thanked 
the gods who had made him lose his way so 
that he might overhear this. The Queen was 
imparting her final decision to Izeil. She was 
determined to accept Alcazeda’s proposal of 
marriage. This she could do the more readily, 
as she might fix upon the great religious festival 
of the year as the day for the marriage cere- 
monies. At the same time that she accepted 
Alcazeda the Prince of Gravas would be seized 
and thrown into prison. The larger part of 
his estates were to be forfeited to the crown. 
Once rid of him, she could bide her time in 
dealing with Alcazeda. 

While thus listening, the man’s mind was 
active. Assuredly, this was one of the Queen’s 
apartments. From the looks of it he judged 
it would be here that the council of which she 


io6 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

had spoken would be held. For what purpose 
the tapestry which concealed him was used he 
could form no idea, and his position, and the 
fear of making a noise of some kind, prevented 
investigation. The cramped position in which 
he had fallen asleep had made him very tired, 
and he began to feel hungry. Once the council 
met, and he were discovered, death or capture 
would be certain. Even if the council were 
not to meet here, a dash for freedom would 
have to be made sooner or later, as he could 
not do without food. It was equally useless to 
wait for dark ; his strength would be gone. 
Here the dare-deviltry of the man, the thing 
which had won him favor with his master, came 
to the front. 

The Prince had absolutely nothing to expect 
from the Queen ; he, himself, only death. So 
he decided upon the following plan : He had a 
short dagger with him, and he quietly drew it. 
He would dash out upon the Queen, slay her, 
and then trust to the resulting confusion to 
make a successful dash for liberty. He waited 
until both were rather absorbed in their con- 
versation, and quietly opened the tapestry. 
As he approached them his foot caught in a 
rug. They turned and caught sight of him. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


107 


He was so close to the Queen that she could 
do nothing. She grew deathly pale, and had 
it not been for Izeil’s quickness, his bold plan 
would no doubt have been successful. Izeil 
had been sitting at the Queen’s feet. Upon 
the floor were several rugs made of skins, and 
as Barad aimed his dagger at the Queen’s 
breast, Izeil arose and thrust a rug between 
them, so that it broke the force of the blow. 
This enabled Hosyra to arise, but Barad fol- 
lowed her, and, laying hold of her arm, again 
raised his knife. Still, again, Izeil saved her 
mistress. Undoing the jeweled clasp that held 
her outer mantle, she flung the latter over his 
head from behind, and then seized his uplifted 
hand. This second interference enabled the 
Queen to wrench her arm free, and, ere Barad 
could disengage himself, they had escaped. 
Finding himself thus foiled, he had no resource 
left except to make his escape, which he did, 
successfully passing through the guards, despite 
the attempts made to prevent his escape. 

As may be imagined the Queen’s nerves 
were considerably shaken by this adventure, 
but her resolute spirit soon reasserted itself, 
and once satisfied that all immediate danger was 
past, she fell to considering the significance of 


io8 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


the event. That Barad must have overheard 
everything she could not doubt, and she fully 
realized the danger if he escaped. When at last 
she was informed that, despite the best efforts of 
her guards, he had done so, she instantly real- 
ized that her opportunity for diplomacy had gone 
with him. Only instant and decisive action 
could now retain the temporary advantage of her 
position. In this emergency she bethought 
herself of the man most suitable for her pur- 
pose. None so suitable as the man who had 
saved the day for her in the audience chamber. 

Orders were given that I should be sent for 
the moment I arrived. Perhaps there were 
several reasons why she did this. She remem- 
bered my absence from court during the last 
few days, and while she in some way vaguely 
associated it with Izeil, whose unfortunate 
affection for me she had easily detected, yet she 
wished to make sure of me once again before 
the meeting. Perhaps, too, woman-like, she 
wanted to see if she could still bring me to her 
feet by a look, as she had done before. But of 
all this, you must remember, I knew absolutely 
nothing. It is contrary to my nature to think 
much over things, being accustomed to act 
when the time comes, so, though I wondered 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


109 


much at being summoned to see her privately, 

I followed the messenger in silence. He halted 
by a small doorway, raised the curtain, and 
saluted. I passed in, and found myself in a 
small ante-chamber. Soon a maid summoned 
me into the Queen’s presence. The place I 
now entered must have been her private cham- 
ber. It was hung with beautiful tapestries. 
The light, which came from a queerly-shaped 
window, high up, was largely shut off by a large 
purple hanging, which reflected it, very much 
subdued, into the room. 

The Queen arose as I entered. Several of 
her maidens were around her, and one of them 
had apparently just finished preparing her mis- 
tress for the council. She answered my saluta- 
tion with a slight smile. Then she spoke to 
one of her maids in a low tone, and they carried 
the rugs and cushions out of the apartment, 
and she went after them. When, a few moments 
later I was bidden to follow, I found myself on 
a kind of balcony. It was twice as long as it 
was wide, and covered by a stone roof, perhaps 
twice a man’s height. The three sides, as well 
as the roof, were of stone, while the fourth one 
opened upon the city. Rich hangings kept out 
the glare of the sunlight, and the air was laden 


no 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


with the smell of flowers that lay scattered 
around. Upon a couch at the farther end sat, or 
rather reclined, the Queen. Behind her a maid 
stood, waving a fan. I walked up close to her 
couch and saluted. 

After looking at me for a moment she spoke. 
“Well, my lord, what excuse have you to offer 
for playing truant ? Has my court,” she asked, 
looking at me quizzically, “ no longer any attrac- 
tions for DukeAlmar?” My wits had gone 
in an instant — gone the first moment she spoke 
to me. I didn’t try to think of an answer. I 
just stood there in front of her, while the old 
fascination came back. But it was different 
this time. Izeil had been teaching me, and 
with it this time came desire. Within me 
somewhere I heard a voice crying for the pos- 
session of this woman. It seemed to clamor 
so that I started lest she should hear it, too. 
Then she motioned me to sit at her feet, but I 
remained standing, looking at her. Not that I 
meant to disobey ; my mind seemed to be 
drawn somewhere else. She feigned to take no 
notice of my hesitation ; only kept on smiling 
that smile. But the look in her eyes drew me 
on, and when, at last, she said, “Sit down,” I 
sank upon the stool near her feet. I remem- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


1 1 1 

bered how I had done so once before. Then 
my will had seemed to disappear, and I said, 
“Yea! Yea!” and “Nay! Nay!” as she 
bade me. 

This time, though I obeyed the same, I felt 
something struggling within me. Then she 
leaned toward me, and, resting her head lan- 
guidly upon her elbow, she said, softly, “ Had 
some one else been playing truant this morning, 
as well, I should have been ” — she paused a 
moment — “murdered.” Murdered ! I felt as if 
some one were driving the knife in me. Had 
she spoken it otherwise than in this artful way, 
I doubt if it had moved me so. 

“ Murdered ! ” I cried, “ and by whom ? ” 

“ By a friend of your brother’s,” said she, 
and not a word more. I felt my face grow set, 
and Hosyra sat and watched me till she saw 
the iron was hot. Then she went on, in the 
same smooth way, “The next time he may be 
successful.” 

I could no longer restrain myself. “There 
will be no next time.” 

She took my hand timidly, and, leaning for- 
ward till I could see right into the great 
black eyes, she said, “What would you do?” 

“ Do ! ” I cried, “ slay him in his own castle.” 


1 12 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


She looked steadily at me for a moment. 

“No,” she said, slowly, “you must not do 
that. Brinof him here. I will hold him safe 
until the danger is over. You shall have my 
royal guard and go at once. That is,” she 
went on, slowly, “if you dare accept the mis- 
sion.” There was a tone of doubt in the voice, 
which stung me. 

“ Give me the order,” I said, rising. 

She rose quickly, and struck a little cluster 
of silver bells. Ere the sound died away a 
maid entered. 

“Tell the captain of my guard to place 
himself under the Duke’s orders.” The maid 
bowed and withdrew. Then Hosyra took a 
large signet ring from her hand and gave it to 
me. It bore the royal seal upon it. “Go,” 
she said, sharply. I bowed and turned to go. 

As I reached the threshold, I turned for a 
moment, and looked back at her. It took her 
unawares. There was a look of exultation, 
intense exultation, upon her face, while her 
eyes shone with triumph. Around her were 
the green plants. Dressed in the purest white, 
she stood there, her one hand leaning upon the 
couch of black furs, and the other still pointing 
me the way. A great diamond tiara glistened 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


113 

upon her head. But, if caught unawares, she 
did not betray herself. Looking me full in the 
eye, she cried, “You are going to save me, are 
you not ? ” 

Hovering between surprise at this sudden 
transformation, and involuntary admiration at 
the picture before me, I did not answer for a 
moment. Then, as I slowly pushed aside the 
curtains, I said, “ My acts will tell.’' 


CHAPTER VII 


1 MADE my way toward the palace yard. I 
was going to arrest my brother. I knew 
clearly what I was doing. Perhaps I should 
be the means of causing his death. I wondered 
what my dead father would have thought if he 
could have known. Would he have cursed me 
over again ? But what if he would — the quarrel 
was not of my seeking. Twice had my brother 
cried the Queen for my life. If, now, I said 
to myself, I aimed at his, it is only my turn. 
Besides, was I not upon the Queen’s errand ? 
He was plotting treason, and if he had insti- 
gated that foul attempt at murder, as the Queen 
had led me to believe, he deserved to die. At 
the palace door I met the captain of the 
guard. He had assembled some eight hun- 
dred men, of whom about fifty were mounted. 
Together we rode toward the palace gate, 
where we reined our horses in to watch the 
men file past. While I had been in battle ere 

114 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


15 


this, this was the first time I had ever held 
command. 

As I sat and watched them, I could not help 
but feel a slight sense of exhilaration. There 
they went — the finest troops in the land — in 
perfect step, the ranks in perfect order, all 
looking stolidly straight ahead. As each rank 
passed, they raised their swords in salute. 
Beside me sat the captain of the guard and 
several of his officers. Then came the mounted 
guard, and we fell in behind them. As we 
marched through the streets, the townsmen 
came to the doors and stood, wondering what 
it meant. Ere long we were approaching my 
brother’s quarters. At my orders the guard 
halted. Then it divided into four bodies, so as 
to approach from the four sides and prevent 
escape. As yet we could not be seen from his 
quarters. In order to give the other divisions 
time to execute their movements, the division 
under me stood fast. While thus waiting I 
reflected upon my plan of action. 

The easiest way seemed to try a surprise. 
With the mounted men I would make a rush 
for the gate. Once within, I would demand 
from my brother the surrender of Barad, whom 
I now knew to have been the would-be assassin. 


ii6 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

At a given signal, my men would leap upon the 
Prince of Gravas, and holding him prisoner, we 
would cut our way out of the house. In this 
way I hoped to avoid the necessity of storming 
the place, as it had been built to withstand 
just such attacks, and the Royal Guards, fine 
as they might be, would be none too fine for 
such an attempt. Just then we received the 
signal that the other divisions had reached their 
positions, and followed by the mounted men 
and the captain of the guard, we rode forward. 

In a few moments we were before the large 
gate. As I looked around I grew suspicious. 
Barad must have already warned my brother, 
at least I feared so, for, although it was not 
unusual to have the large gate closed, even the 
small one, through which the inmates passed, 
was barred. I nodded to one of the men, and 
he knocked loudly at the gate. Thereat a small 
window opened, and a face appeared. I rode 
forward. “ I wish to see the Prince, my brother. 
Undo the gate.” But the fellow made no 
attempt to obey. 

“ The Prince is not well,” he answered, ‘‘ and 
will see no one.” I lost my patience at the fel- 
low’s assurance. 

“Undo the gate instantly,” I cried, “ I have 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


117 

urgent business and must see the Prince at 
once.” 

I have the Prince’s orders to admit no 
one,” replied he, as he closed the window. To 
be balked, and by such a fellow. Well, it was 
no use wasting any more time in useless par- 
leying. I gave the signal for the footmen to 
approach, and prepared to storm the place. 
Gregar was evidently prepared to meet force 
with force. A number of the horses were put 
side by side against the wall. The men then 
stood upon them, and lifted several of their fel- 
lows upon the top of the wall. In this way a 
score of them dropped within for the purpose of 
seizing the gate. We heard sounds of a scuffle, 
and then the bolts were slid back and the gates 
swung open. The guards had made short work 
of its defenders, and we rode in over them, 
toward the house itself. By this time the foot- 
men had arrived and were filing in through the 
gates. 

Again w^e knocked, this time at the house 
door. Timidly it was opened, and a fellow 
appeared, asking, in a very scared voice, our 
business. I repeated to him that I wished to 
see the Prince. 

“ The Prince ? why the Prince is gone.” 


ii8 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

“Gone,” I shouted, “you lying knave. I’ll 
soon have the truth out of you. Seize him,” I 
cried to the men. He was too scared to resist, 
and they stood him before me. He stuck to 
his story, however, with such vehemence, albeit 
he was almost scared to death, that I began to 
feel convinced. Then telling the men to detain 
him I turned to the captain. 

“ Have the place searched.” At his word 
the men marched forward and disappeared 
within. I waited patiently. At last the captain 
reappeared and saluted. 

“ The Prince is nowhere to be found.” 

It was true, then. Knowing full well, as I 
did, the craftiness of my brother, I could but 
guess the truth. His prolonged absence from 
the court should have told me that, finding the 
Queen was too powerful and spirited to be 
defied in the capital, he had secretly left the 
city before the lines were drawn too closely. I 
was about to give the order to return when I 
suddenly stopped. I remembered something. 
I looked at the prisoner. “ Bring hither that 
man.” I looked at him fixedly and, without 
turning my eyes away, I said to the captain, 
“ Did you search the Prince’s bedroom ? ” 

“ Yes,” was his answer. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


119 

“ Did you move the bed ? ” I saw the fellow 
blanch. I sprang from my horse. “ Bring a 
dozen men,” I cried, and we rushed upstairs. I 
knew the way. I had been there years before. 
We entered his bedroom. I spread the men in a 
circle. “ Now,” I cried, “ dead or alive, he must 
not pass.” Then I held up the Queen’s signet so 
that all might see it. They recognized it at once. 
“ Do you know it,” I asked. The look in their 
faces showed me they understood. I bade two 
of them draw the bed away. Behind it was 
revealed a door. At my nod, one of them 
sprang forward and threw it open. Instead of 
the mad rush we had expected, we were con- 
fronted by — Barad. His arms were folded, and 
he was smiling. So great was my exasperation 
that I could have split him in twain, and I dare 
say he saw it ; for he laughed in a sneering 
way and told me that the Queen had a good 
watchdog. 

“ The Queen’s watchdog.” I know not why 
those words should have sent the blood to my 
face, but I could feel my temple throbbing. 
Perhaps it was the disappointment. “ Watch- 
dog or no watchdog,” I cried, “what shall we 
call you ? Stabber of women ? ” But he only 
kept his arms folded and stood there with a 


120 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


mocking look on his face. Despite the con- 
tempt I felt for the fellow, I could not help hav- 
ing a kind of admiration for his utter lack of 
fear, since he must have known that but scant 
favor would be shown him when he fell into the 
Queen’s hands. I turned to the captain. “ You 
are responsible to the Queen for his safety. See 
to him.” He nodded, and the men formed in 
a body, which then opened to admit Barad. He 
walked cooly into it and halted in the centre. 
Then, at the word of command, they marched 
down the stairs and into the yard. A detach- 
ment of the guard were ordered to hold the 
place and prevent the escape • of the Prince, 
should he possibly be still secreted there. Then, 
with even step, the rest marched out of the 
yard. 

By this time the townsmen had gotten wind 
of our venture, and as we marched back the 
windows and the doorvv^ays were crowded with 
curious faces. I must confess I was rather 
vexed at my errand being unsuccessful, but it 
had not been entirely fruitless. Nevertheless I 
was angry with myself. Perhaps it might have 
been because I unconsciously saw the result of 
his flight. 

As we drew up before the palace gate I 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


I2I 


told the captain to hold the guard under arms 
till he received word to dismiss them. Then I 
went to make my report to the Queen. I won- 
dered how she would receive it. The council 
was still in session and, when I entered, all eyes 
turned upon me. I saluted the Queen. She 
must have guessed something from my look, for 
she exclaimed nervously, “Well?” 

“ The Prince has flown,” I answered. 

It would be hard to describe the look that 
came over the Queen’s face. She had expected 
success so confidently, and it meant so much to 
her. It must have seemed to her as though 
she had seen her kingdom wavering in the 
balance, and at my words saw it topple from 
her. For a moment all color left her face, then 
she pursed her lips to prevent them from quiv- 
ering, and said coldly, “ Another might have 
done as well.” 

At any other time, her words would have 
hurt me, but I knew that her despair had forced 
them from her, and I liked her the better that 
she acted so, instead of giving way weakly to 
her feelings like other women. Knowing I 
could not comfort her, I said nothing. For a 
few moments she sat playing with her fan, 
while an ominous silence hung over the meet- 


122 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


ing. She seemed unwilling to see the alterna- 
tive forced upon her. At last she looked up, 
decisively, but with a tired air. Throwing aside 
her fan, she rose. 

“ My lords,” she cried, facing us, ‘T have 
decided upon my course. To-morrow I shall 
accept Prince Alcazeda’s offer of marriage. Till 
then, I thank you for your present courtesies.” 
The nobles bowed and withdrew. I stood still 
— it seemed as if something had happened to 
me. She was going to marry Alcazeda after 
all — marry that old plotter — traitor — nothing 
could be too base to call him. I felt sick 
of the whole thing. Then I noticed I alone 
was remaining, and would have gone, but 
I suddenly remembered the royal signet. I 
approached the Queen and saluted stiffly. 
She waited a moment ere she noticed me, and 
then asked, “ Well ? ” 

“Will the Queen permit me,” I answered, 
“to return the royal signet?” She held forth 
her hand and took it in silence. She was still 
angry at my failure, and would not unbend to 
me. Too proud to ask for any information, 
she was angry with herself for having placed 
such absolute confidence in my ability to seize 
the Prince. She would forgive me no less than 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


123 


herself, for the humiliation which she had been 
forced to subject herself to by accepting Alca- 
zeda’s offer. Nor was I in the least disposed 
to seek forgiveness. I do not know what might 
have happened just then had not an interrup- 
tion occurred. The captain of the guard entered, 
and saluted her. She looked at him question- 
ingly. He, imagining she knew all, informed 
her that the prisoner had been killed, while 
making a desperate effort to escape. 

She looked at him in a puzzled way for a 
moment, and then asked, “ Prisoner, what 
prisoner ? 

“ Barad, the man we recaptured to-day.” 

“ Barad,” echoed the Queen. Then she 
gave a little sigh of relief. Barad dead — he 
could not inform Alcazeda, and it made her 
acceptance the easier. She nodded, and the 
captain withdrew. Then she looked at me 
again. I stood there and would not speak. 
Finally, as though she grudgingly repented of 
her former hastiness, she said, “ So you did do 
something to-day ? ” 

“Yes,” I replied, curtly, “I have disap- 
pointed the Queen.” 

At this, for the first time since I entered, I 
saw her smile. Then she said reproachfully, 


124 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


‘‘ It is well that queens are cast in firmer mould 
than those they rule. Seeing that I must taste 
all the bitter of this day’s work, could you not 
have humored me a little ? ” But even then I 
would not relent ; remembering that she was to 
marry Alcazeda, I showed her no mercy. 

“ Nay, O Queen,” I said ; “ the bitter is all 
of your own choosing. Had you taken my 
advice a week ago, both these rascally princes 
had been well disposed of and you left safe to 
do your own free will.” 

She looked rather surprised at this, as 
though it were new to her. Then I saw she 
remembered. After looking thoughtful for a 
moment, she said quite slowly, and, I thought, 
regretfully, “ I believe you are right.” She 
remained silent for a while, and then rising, said, 
“ But there, it is the present we must face, not 
the past. I must submit to the inevitable. She 
touched a bell, and maids, who had been waiting 
her signal, now approached. With a slight but 
kindly nod to me, she left the chamber. 

I afterwards learned that she had imme- 
diately sent for the captain of the guard ; had 
inquired of him the smallest particulars of the 
morning affair, and had, moreover, highly 
praised my cleverness. But, so strange is man, 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


125 


I, who but a short while ago would have found a 
little praise sweet music, now cared naught for 
it. The Queen was to marry Alcazeda. I 
foresaw much trouble from such a state of 
affairs. In the first place, I did not like the 
man, nor do I think was he overly fond of me. 
We knew each other too well. I foresaw that 
his first business, once seated upon the throne 
and the present troubles over, would be to 
devise some way of clipping my wings. I felt 
that my blunt and uncourtier-like manner would 
not let him wait long for an opportunity. Alto- 
gether I could see but little good in it. So I 
made up my mind to hunt up Lord Zelad and 
deliver my mind on the subject to him. I learnt 
he had gone homeward. I went after him. 
When I got there I found he had not yet 
arrived, so I waited for him. Finally, after a 
considerable time, he arrived, and I began to 
question his views on the matter. 

Now, Lord Zelad was a clever old fellow, 
and he knew perfectly well that a man runs 
much easier with the wind than against it, so he 
agreed with me most cordially, and indeed, he 
declared he foresaw trouble for himself as well. 
Just as we were getting most companionable 
over the matter I caught sight of a merry little 


125 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


twinkle in his eye, which, when it found itself 
discovered, orrew until a smile covered his whole 
face. Now this made me angrier than ever. I 
was just in that humor where one detests to be 
made fun of, as if one were but a boy, merely 
because I was young. Surely I was big enough 
and old enough to be taken seriously, and I 
told him so, and then went out into the yard. 
By the time I had walked back and forth several 
times I had gotten Into a decidedly angry state 
of mind with everybody in general, and Alca- 
zeda in particular. 

It was a relief to hear knocking at the gate. 
Some one answered the summons, and for want 
of something else to do, I folded my arms and 
watched them. After a short talk, a man in the 
dress of the palace, was admitted, and catching 
sight of me, came toward me. He saluted, and 
informed me that the Queen desired to see me 
Instantly at the palace. This was strange news. 
Something must have happened. Perhaps the 
Queen wished to consult me. Well, even If 
she was going to marry Alcazeda, thought I, 
there was some one else whom she turned to in 
the time of trouble. I called for my horse, and 
in order to teach Lord Zelad a lesson for the 
future, rode off without telling him a thing. As 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


127 


we rode on I found myself getting excited. I 
imagined all sorts of things. Perhaps she 
would not marry Alcazeda after all. Maybe he 
was dead. As we drew nearer I stopped imag- 
ining and began to feel depressed and excited 
by turns. 

By the time we had reached the castle, and 
were passing to her apartments, I was ready to 
get scared at a shadow. They conducted me 
to that chamber where I had first seen her as 
Queen — now, as then, Izeil led me to her. She 
held open the curtain for me, and I passed 
within. I approached the Queen and saluted. 
She was looking down at the floor, as if lost in 
thought, and it was several moments ere she 
looked up, turning her great dark eyes upon 
me. They were quiet now, and sad. At length 
she said, regretfully, “The more time passes, 
Duke, the more I repent not having taken your 
advice.” 

I pitied her as she sat there. It seemed to 
me as if she felt the great ship of state was 
among the breakers, and realized that her hand 
was too weak to guide the helm. But as yet 
she had told me naught as to what had occurred. 
So I said gently, “ Nay, O Queen, let me recall 
your own words. It is the present we must 


128 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


face, not the past. May I know what has 
happened ? ” 

Again she looked up at me. “ Alcazeda has 
thrown in his fate with your brother, and left 
the capital.” I could not understand it at first. 

“ Are you sure ? ” I cried. 

“Yes,” was her hopeless answer, “ Barad 
must have warned him.” 

I know not how it happened, but I felt a great 
joy fill my body, and I think it must have shown 
itself plainly in my face, for I saw a surprised 
look on hers, though it changed to one of sad- 
ness as she said, reproachfully, “You seem 
strangely glad, Duke, to see me left helpless 
and alone.” 

Alone — she said it so womanly — I felt a 
great wave of tenderness come sweeping over 
me ; nay, it was more than tenderness, for I 
knew that look which I had seen in Izeil’s eyes, 
was coming into my own. I knew what it 
meant now. I loved this woman — loved her 
utterly. The passion to which her glances had 
given birth upon our first meeting, had grown 
silently, until now it shook me in its tremors, 
and I meant to have her, even though the gods 
themselves disputed me. She, too, must have 
known what was passing within me, for she 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


129 


looked away. Moved as I was, I dared not 
trust myself to speak. I was still the subject. 
Feeling she must break the silence which had 
grown oppressive, she asked, as though we 
understood each other, “What could you do 
with a few men left to a friendless Queen?” 

“ Friendless,” I cried ; “ nay, O Queen, you 
do wrong to the thousands of gallant hearts 
that are filled with love for you — that do but 
long to see your purple banner flung to the 
breeze, and to shout your battle-cry.” She 
colored slightly at my words, and, as if ashamed 
of her weakness, drew herself together. When 
at length she spoke, the old ring in her voice 
was there again. 

“You speak bravely, Duke,” she said, “and 
your words bring me new courage. I have 
played the woman enough. I must now be 
the Queen. Look you — once I slighted your 
advice — now I will abide by it. Shall I try to 
coax back Alcazeda, or shall I gather my armies 
and defy them ? You shall decide for me,” and 
she looked straight at me. Again I was at a 
loss for an answer. In my heart I knew the 
odds arrayed against her, but I could or 
would not advise that she bring Alcazeda 
back ; she saw my dilemma, and tried to force 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


130 

an answer from me. But I would not decide 
for her. 

“Nay, O Queen,” I said, “ in this hour you 
must choose for yourself — I cannot advise you.” 
It was wrong of me to answer her in this way, 
for I knew it would pique her to think that she 
had humbled herself to seek my judgment, and 
I had denied it to her, but on my life, I could 
not have spoken otherwise. She was piqued, 
nor did she fail to resent my action. 

“ Is this,” she asked, coldly, and with a touch 
of sarcasm, “ the support I am to expect from 
my friends ? ” I could not stand this thrust, 
even though I knew I deserved it. 

“Nay, O Queen,” I said at length, “my 
heart and my head are at variance, and I know 
not which to follow.” 

For some moments she looked at me as if 
puzzled, and then making one more advance, 
she said : “ Give me their counsels, and let me 
judge. What says your head ? ” 

Falling in with her humor I replied : “ It 
says, call back the traitor, and bargain for your 
throne.” 

“ At least the head is prudent — and the 
heart,” she asked, “ what says it? ” 

“ It says,” I answered, “ summon forth your 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


131 

legions, and behind their ranks act like a 
Queen.” I could see my spirit was entering 
her, for she began to take the royal signet from 
her finger, as though, I thought, to give it to 
me. Then I saw her hesitate. She toyed with 
it for the space of a few moments as if she 
feared to take the final step — a step from which 
there was no returning. 

Then at last she sighed softly and said, 
“ Methinks, Duke, I like the heart best. You 
have saved me before — you shall lead my troops 
now. Take this signet, and when my throne 
stands again, as on a rock, return it,” and she 
reached it toward me — she had chosen me her 
soldier. I sank upon one knee before her. 
Lest my telltale eyes should betray me again, I 
bent my head forward, and, as I took the signet, 
I kissed the hand that held it. I rose. I was 
thankful the chamber was dark, so that she 
could not see my face too clearly. In the dis- 
covery of my newly found passion, I almost for- 
got, for the time being, that stern war was 
before us — that days of fighting and sleepless 
nights awaited me. But the sound of her voice 
recalled me. 

“ Since war there is to be, Duke, we must 
bestir ourselves. Much there is to be done ere 


TRINCE OF GRAVAS 


5 33 »- 

our city will stand the siege. I will send for the 
Governor of the city, and let the flight of the 
Princes be proclaimed throughout the capital. 
One week shall be allowed them to return, and 
cast themselves upon our mercy. After that 
time I shall declare them outlawed and their 
estates confiscated to the crown. In the mean- 
tim.e, you shall deliberate upon measures for the 
defence of the city and meeting the Princes in 
the field.” With that she arose, and Izeil came 
and led me away. 


CHAPTER VIII 


W AR ! For the next fortnight this was the 
only sound in the air. The hurrying to 
and fro of armed men, the shouts of the 
drivers, as the trains of wagons ever kept bring- 
ing food and other supplies into the city. The 
drilling of the townsmen into companies for the 
defence of the city — these, and similar scenes 
kept the capital in a constant excitement. That 
the Princes had refused to surrender, and were 
taking the field against the Queen, had become 
common talk among the town folks, and on 
every hand could be seen groups of idlers dis- 
cussing the situation. I saw the Queen daily, 
but we had no more private talks. All day long 
I was engrossed in the preparations, and when 
I saw her it was in council. 

She seemed changed since the day she had 
decided upon war. A nervous anxiety had 
come over her, she seemed to dread the issue 
of the struggle, and to realize for the first time 


134 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


what failure might mean to her. She listened 
to our reports with a scarce repressed impa- 
tience, — we could plainly see she considered us 
somewhat wanting in energy, and only her 
strong good sense prevented her from openly 
betraying this feeling before us. But if she 
restrained her impatience in front of the coun- 
cil, — not so with her maids. Only the most 
rigorous and punctual obedience let them 
escape from falling victims to her disturbed 
spirit. Not that she ever scolded or even lost 
her temper. It was the glance from her eye, 
and the sarcastic comments which her maids 
feared. 

Nor did she content herself with merely 
hearing our reports. All day long she was in 
the saddle, riding through the streets of the 
city, — visiting the battlements and encouraging 
all by the dash of her carriage and the fire in 
her eye. Under her glance the men worked 
with renewed vigor. Gradually the feeling of 
fear and uncertainty with which the secret 
departure of the Princes had filled the city 
disappeared, and in its place came a feeling 
that the Queen and the capital must stand or 
fall together. 

So passed two weeks. Then at last came 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


135 


news of the Princes. Their armies were ap- 
proaching the city. Each day the scouts brought 
fresh news of their coming. Reports of moun- 
tain bands, — fierce horsemen of my brother’s 
retaining, who were burning the country as 
they rode over it. Indeed, it seemed as if the 
fierce, unquenchable spirit of cruelty that pos- 
sessed my brother, now openly reviling all 
restraint, had communicated itself to his men. 
At their approach, the land trembled, and the 
people fled. Greater streams of such fugitives 
began daily to give notice of his approach by 
pouring into the capital. Bearing in mind, 
however, the coming siege, the Queen durst 
not permit them to remain. Such men as could 
bear arms were formed into a company, and 
the rest, with the women and children, were 
sent onward, into the remote parts of the loyal 
districts, where they might be safe from the 
rigors of war. Alcazeda, possibly with a view 
to the future, held his men better in restraint, 
and tried to ingratiate himself with the people 
as he traveled. 

At last the Queen would stand inaction no 
longer, and demanded that the army should go 
forth and meet the Princes. Nor was this 
demand as foolish as at first sight it might 


136 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

appear. For the enemy were approaching from 
different directions, and hence were divided. 
Moreover, believing that the Queen would 
hardly venture from the city, much less attack 
them, their forces were marching forward in a 
scattered condition. Therefore it was not un- 
reasonable to suppose that a sudden attack 
upon either might be successful. At any rate, 
anything was more endurable to the Queen 
than inaction, and indeed her resolve was 
warmly applauded by several of the council, 
noticeably Lord Altoraz. For myself, I would 
have laid in the city and awaited their onslaught. 
While this opinion was shared by Lord Zelad, 
still, we wisely resolved to give in to the 
Queen’s demand in order to prevent dissension 
among ourselves. 

The forces of the Princes numbered about 
eighty thousand men, evenly divided between 
them. The royal forces, by the most strenuous 
efforts, had been raised to fifty thousand, but 
this included the townsmen and all kinds of 
men, while the enemy were well armed and dis- 
ciplined. To man the defences of the city, even 
sparsely, needed ten thousand men, and to 
relieve them it needed as many more. How- 
ever, if we were to venture forth, the latter body 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


37 


could not be spared, so the double duty would 
fall upon the garrison. 

It was shortly after nightfall when we left 
the city gate forty thousand strong. All night 
long the men tramped along the highway. They 
carried five days’ rations. The Queen rode with 
us. It was hoped that two days’ marching 
would bring us within striking distance of the 
enemy. Scouting parties of horsemen had been 
scattered over the country to cut off all com- 
munication between the Princes. It had been 
decided that my brother’s force should be 
attacked as being the most dangerous. During 
the night and part of the following morning, 
the men marched onward. Then, as the sun 
began to rise in the heavens, they entered a 
forest and rested. The Queen could scarcely 
restrain herself. The slow walk at which her 
horse, to keep pace with the footmen, neces- 
sarily traveled, almost goaded her. Again and 
again she would call me to her with some ques- 
tion about the march. At last unable to con- 
trol herself, she lapsed into a silence which she 
did not break during the greater part of the 
day. 

Toward evening scouts brought word that 
we were within a short day’s march of the 


138 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


enemy. When the stars had begun to come 
out we resumed our march. Just before dawn 
a scout came in with the news that the enemy 
lay in camp close at hand, just on the out- 
skirts of a small village. The men were halted, 
and several bodies were sent forward to 
reconnoitre. As they returned, it began to 
appear that part of my brother’s force lay 
directly in front of us. As the road left the 
village, it ran in or through a kind of pass 
between two hills. My brother’s force lay just 
on the other side of the pass, as ours lay on 
this side. It was evident that they would march 
through early in the morning. 

I confess I was not a little surprised at the 
careless way in which they lay in camp, for their 
lines might easily have been surprised in the 
darkness. But I had a better plan in store. 
The utter absence of any resistance had lulled 
them into a feeling of security, and counting on 
this, I laid my plans. A night attempt might or 
might not be successful. If it were, then all 
were well. If not, I would be caught with the 
pass in my rear as the only means of retreat, 
and with my untried army I well knew, at the 
first such order, the undisciplined part, or nearly 
half of it, would break and fly. I would run 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


39 


no such chances. I resolved to man the hills 
on either side of the pass, and allow them to 
enter. When they were well under way, and 
in the pass, I should fall upon them from the 
front, and both sides at once. 

It was evident, from the reports of the 
scouts, that we outnumbered them two to one, 
and I had no doubt of the success of my plan. 
Accordingly, just as dawn was breaking, and 
you could begin to see, two strong bodies 
moved toward the hills. It was just light enough 
to hazily see their well-formed ranks move 
toward the crest ; then I noticed the one I was 
watching seemed to waver and stop. I saw 
a horseman fall from his saddle. Then a courier 
dashed toward me and brought the report that 
their advance had been met by a storm of 
arrows, their officers had halted them to await my 
further orders ; at last I saw it all — the appar- 
ent carelessness — the exposing me to the 
temptation of a night attack. My brother had 
learned of our approach, and was waiting for 
me to enter the pass. One half his army lay 
on the other side of the pass, the other half 
crowned the heights. Had I been lured into 
the pass as he had intended, my men would 
have been caught between his wings, and the 


140 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Queen’s cause had been lost. We had naught 
left to us save immediate action — to retreat, or 
at once assault the enemy on the hill. 

Hurriedly I explained the situation to the 
Queen. She listened to me impatiently, and 
then exclaimed, “ I cannot judge in these mat- 
ters. Stand we any chance of carrying the 
hills ? ” 

“Surely some chance, I answered.” 

“ Then forward, she replied, and the courier 
dashed away with her order. I would have led 
the attack myself, but my position demanded I 
should remain near the Queen’s person. I 
watched them as they gallantly moved up the 
hill. It was lighter now, and we could see the 
men dropping from the ranks under the steady 
shower of arrows. Upon the crest of the hill 
stood the lines of the enemy. Nearer crept 
the line of royal troops. Nearer — by the gods 
how my blood stirred as I watched them. 
Nearer — now they are on the run. Now they 
meet. All is a confused mass. The two lines 
are one, Banners flutter in the air, but it is 
still too dark to distinguish them. One is down, 
and another up. A confused mingling of shouts 
is borne to us. “The Queen ! Long live the 
Queen ! ” “ Gravas ! Gravas ! ” Leaders urge 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


141 

their men on. Horses are hamstrung, toppling 
their riders over — here the line wavers, there it 
advances — gods ! To sit still and not be in it. 
See, it is wavering. Yes, no, it halts, recovers 
itself. Still the struggle goes on. Lord Altoraz 
is leading there ; the old warrior has sworn to 
reach the crest of the hill, dead or alive, and is 
fighting the fight of his life. No little task to 
storm that terrible crest. 

Around Altoraz and his knights the strug- 
gle is fiercest. Yes, I can distinguish him and 
his band by the cloud of banners. Ah, what a 
fight, and they are reaching the top. Nothing 
can stop them. In vain do the enemy throw 
themselves desperately in their way, step by step 
they win their way onward. Yes, but see, the 
enemy are hurrying their reserves to this very 
spot. Fresh men — all armor-clad knights. On 
they come. I look around me. Behind me are 
the royal mounted legion. I turn to their 
leader, “Take that line in flank,” I cry; 
“ break them, crush them. And remember the 
Queen’s eye is upon you, go ! ” He is a hand- 
some young fellow, just appointed and ambi- 
tious, and the Queen’s eye is on him. He turns 
to his men. A quick, sharp command. They 
form, and then, like a thunderbolt, they are 


142 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


charging. Up the hill ; up the hill ; crash ! 
They strike the near end of the line, and it 
scatters like chaff before the wind. The con- 
fusion extends — like the white line of foam that 
marks the breaking of the waves, and runs 
along its crest, so gives the foeman’s line. Now 
they are in full flight everywhere, and naught 
remains but slaughter. 

I turn to the other hill. The sun is just 
rising and its rays light up the top of the hill. 
High on its crest rears the princely banner of 
Gravas — its dark blue fluttering defiantly in the 
morning breeze. Below, and around it, are a 
host of smaller banners. My brother’s lines are 
still unbroken. Our assault has been repulsed. 
The leaders are trying to reform their men for 
another charge. A courier has just reached me 
to demand if another attempt to carry the hill 
is to be made. And look, the enemy’s centre, 
which had lain as a decoy near the village, is 
entering the pass. I turn to the Queen. “ If 
we resume the battle, it will be one of life and 
death. If we lose, we may lose all.” 

Her lips are compressed — her eyes glitter. 
“ Fight on,” she says. I order our centre for- 
ward to hold the pass. Not to engage, how- 
ever, unless attacked. I did not intend to drive 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


143 


the enemy out of it, simply to hold them there. 
Then I should carry the other hill, and letting 
my wings close down upon their force in the 
pass, attack it on all sides at once. They would 
be cut to pieces, and I would then be free to 
face Alcazeda ; but the hill must first be car- 
ried. I sent a courier to summon back the 
mounted legion. Then, accompanied by the 
Queen, we rode in front of the lines that were 
to make a new attack on the hill. As we 
passed the men raised their battle cry, “The 
Queen ! Long live the Queen ! ” and ever 
there came thundering back from the hosts on 
the hill, “ Gravas ! Gravas ! ” Then I sent the 
Queen to the rear, and made ready for the 
charge. I sent for the mounted legion, and 
placed it opposite to the body guard of the 
Prince. Then riding beside its leader, we 
went forward and closed in battle. 

I cannot describe the fury of it. Like waves 
throw themselves upon a rock, and are hurled 
backwards, did we throw ourselves upon the 
foe, only to fall back again. In vain did the 
leaders fight with desperate bravery, and expose 
themselves fearlessly in the thickest of the fight. 
There, on the crest, stood the flower of Gravas, 
and at their head, the blackest, fiercest fighter 


144 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


in the land. Sullenly our lines gave way, 
exhausted. With difficulty, I, and the few 
knights around me, shook ourselves free from 
the crowd that had flung themselves upon us, 
and followed. I gave orders to reform the men 
for another attack, and rode slowly toward the 
Queen, who had halted her horses upon a small 
knoll, so that she might the better watch the 
flght. Our second repulse had evidently fright- 
ened her. The former look of suppressed 
excitement had given way to one of fear. She 
had never seen a battle until now, and might 
wait long again till she saw so fierce a one. 
Still, like the Queen she was, she tried to hide 
her feelings, and look brave. 

“What are you going to do now?” she 
asked. 

“Try it again,” I answered. 

“ Don’t you think,” she said, “ it were better 
to retreat.” 

I pointed to our centre. The Prince, under- 
standing my plan, had ordered his centre to 
drive ours out of the pass, while the other wing 
was trying to recapture their lost position. Save 
were we stood, both armies were locked in 
deadly combat. “It is impossible,” I answered, 
as I saw her glance follow mine. “We must 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 145 

win or lose all. I am going to assault the hill 
again. But this time I shall try a different plan. 
It is useless to try to break through where my 
brother stands. I shall send what is left of the 
mounted legion to attack the ends of their line 
where it is the weakest, and merely engage his 
front until the ends give.” She nodded her 
assent, and I rode away to make arrangements. 
Lest my brother should again foresee my inten- 
tions and forestall them, I held the horsemen 
back, and assaulted his whole line with foot 
alone. Then, when I saw the struggle joined, 
I divided the legion and hurled it at the ends. 
This time we were successful. The ends gave 
way, and our lines gradually began to fold 
around their centre. In vain now did they try 
to save themselves. Little by little we forced 
them back till they finally were crowded into a 
solid mass that held on to the edge of the crest 
by its sheer denseness alone. Uselessly did we 
try to push it off. All in vain, as well throw 
oneself against a wall of iron. Once I had 
crossed swords with my brother, but a sudden 
movement parted us. 

Gradually, from sheer exhaustion, the men 
ceased fighting, and glared at each other. I 
glanced over the field. Everywhere our lines 


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had held their ground ; the death trap could 
still be sprung upon the enemy the moment 
the survivors were pushed from the crest. 
Despairing of moving that dense mass, I 
ordered the fighting to cease, and the archers 
to fire their arrows upward, so that they might 
strike them in their descent. Then, having a 
few moments to spare again, I rode toward the 
Queen. I found her waiting for me. How 
often since have I cursed the hour I rode 
thither ; had it not been for that, the war had 
ended then. For my brother once disposed of, 
Alcazeda would have made peace, or been 
crushed like a seed between the mill-stone. 

“ Have you carried the hill ? ” she cried. 

“No,” I answered, “but ” 

“Then,” interrupted she, “ we must retreat.” 

“Retreat,” I cried. 

“Yes,” she said; “our march is known to 
the traitors, and Alcazeda is almost at the city 
gate” 

In vain 1 argued — in vain I pleaded — in vain 
I assured her that the next charge would sweep 
the hill. The three unsuccessful attacks had 
daunted her spirit, and not knowing that when 
success came, it would come suddenly, she saw 
that the men had ceased fighting, that the enemy 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 147 

had fallen back, and that we had the opportu- 
nity to retreat. I turned and ran my eye over 
the field. The enemy were in motion in the 
pass, retreating. My brother, seeing the deadly 
effect of the archery, had determined to retreat 
while there was yet time, and had ordered the 
men in the pass to retreat, as well as his other 
wing. If we could only clear that crest, there 
was still time to crush him. I pointed it out to 
the Queen — I begged her, but she was obdurate. 
She would not risk the capital, it was her all. 

Then I lost my temper utterly. ** Of what 
use,” I cried, “ is it to command, if I am not to 
decide. The Queen had best take back her 
signet.” She had already lost her patience at 
my persistency, and when I spoke thus, her eyes 
blazed with anger. She took the signet with- 
out a word, and turning to some nobles who 
stood near, she said sharply, “ Give the orders 
to retreat.” My feelings can well be imagined. 
Victory, a great, complete, crushing victory, 
snatched out of my hand by a woman’s timidity, 
nay obstinacy. I watched the enemy file out of 
the pass, withdraw quietly from the hills, and 
reform beyond the pass. And all the while our 
men stood watching, wonderingly waiting for 
orders. 


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Suddenly there was the sound of horse’s 
hoofs, and a horseman rode up, and drew rein 
so suddenly that he threw dust all over us. He 
sprang from the saddle. It was Lord Altoraz. 
His armor was covered with dust and blood — 
some from his own wounds, and some from the 
enemy. His eyes were ablaze, and his face 
distorted with anger. He scanned us quickly, 
and his eyes fell upon me. He came toward 
me with a quick step. ‘‘ So,” he cried fiercely, 
“so,” he cried, “it is you, it is you ! my Lord 
Duke. I fought under your father, and he was 
a brave man. I am an old man — never yet 
have I known one of your house to be a coward. 
But you, sir, are a coward, a poltroon — a curse 
on your cowardice. Oh ! to lose a winning 
field, to fight such a fight, and lose — -through a 
coward.” And the old man sank upon one 
knee, and broke into sobs. A coward ! So I 
was yet to be called a coward — a poltroon ! 
LIow the hot blood rushed to my face, till it 
seemed to burn the very skin. I stood and 
looked at him, but did nothing. For the first 
time in my life I knew shame. I thought my 
eyes would burst from their sockets. 

Here the Queen interrupted. She had been 
so astonished at the old man’s fury that she 


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149 


had listened in silence, but now she recovered 
herself. Perhaps a suspicion that she had 
robbed herself of victory now crossed her mind. 
I know not, but she spoke. Nay,’* she said, 
“ Lord Altoraz, you do the Duke an injustice. 
I gave the order — the capital is threatened.” 
The old man only looked dumbly at her and then 
at me. As I heard her words, scant as they were, 
I felt tears come to my eyes. Yes, tears ! I 
wept, and before men. The old warrior looked 
into my face, and a look came into his own as 
if in some way he dimly understood. He took 
me by the arm. 

“ Duke,” he faltered, “ I am an old man and 
cannot talk now ; forgive me.” I placed my great 
arm kindly upon his shoulder — was he not a 
soldier too ? — and then, through eyes dimmed 
with tears, watched the retreat begin. One by 
one the troops passed us till there were no 
more to pass. Then Lord Altoraz spoke again. 
“ Would the gods had spared me such a sight,” 
he cried bitterly, “and left me stricken on 
the field.” I answered nothing. What could I 
answer ? Was not my own heart full — my cup 
of bitterness filled to overflowing ? Slowly we 
mounted our horses and followed after. We 
were not disturbed. Bold as my brother was. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


150 

the blow we had dealt him was too heavy, utter 
defeat too narrowly diverted for even him to 
miss the lesson. 

All day long we followed the troops, halting 
at noon to rest and eat, and then push on again 
to save the city. When the troops halted again 
it was nightfall. The stars were coming out. 
Another day’s march would bring us back to 
the capital. In some way our march had become 
known to the enemy, and my brother had tried 
to keep us engaged till Alcazeda could surprise 
the city. But chance and our own vigilance had 
saved us, since I doubted if it could be stormed 
ere our arrival, weakened though the garrison 
was. Stopping near one of the camp fires I 
dismounted wearily, and threw myself upon the 
ground. Lord Altoraz sat down beside me. A 
man, one of those who had been fighting under 
him in the morning, came and offered us some 
of his food. I had eaten nothing since the 
evening before. Thanking the man, we shared 
his food in silence. Then, stretching ourselves 
upon the ground, we fell into an unrestful sleep. 

As I slept, I dreamed I was in a land of 
great darkness, alone. Long I stood there, 
and ever the darkness grew blacker. Then 
out of it came a form, the form of a woman of 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS" 


151 

wondrous beauty, and in her hand she held a 
jeweled goblet. As I watched it, the odor of 
rare wine came out of it, and filled my nostrils 
so that I grew athirst. Then seeing I was 
thirsty she placed it to my lips, but ever as I 
would have drank, she drew it, with a laugh, 
away again. Then my thirst grew so that I 
could no longer bear it, and with a mighty 
effort I reached forth to seize it, but even as I 
touched it, it upset, and as the wine ran out the 
light went with it, and the woman too, and I 
was alone again. And the darkness came back 
thicker than ever, and out of it came a weird 
spectral wail of sorrow that grew, and entering 
into my very soul, grew again, until for very 
anguish I could no longer endure it, and 
awoke. 

A man stood beside me and spoke my name. 
With some effort I arose, for I was stiff and 
sore. He was an officer of the Queen's guard, 
and told me that, by the Queen’s command, 
they had sought me over all the camp, and he 
brought me word that she wished my presence. 
I glanced at Lord Altoraz. The fatigue of the 
day had told upon his aged form, and he 
breathed heavily in his sleep. Awaking the 
man who had offered us food, I bade him tell 


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his leader of my errand when he awoke. Then 
I nodded to the officer to lead the way. The 
moon, coming up late, was now high in the 
heavens, and shed a bright, silvery light over 
the camp. Picking our way through the sleep- 
ing soldiers, we finally found ourselves near the 
Queen’s apartment. 

We entered the cordon of guards that sur- 
rounded the royal quarters, and approached 
the Queen’s sleeping tent. The sentinel on 
guard raised aloft the flap and saluted. Enter- 
ing, I found myself in a large circular tent, 
quite as spacious as the rooms in the palace. 
In the centre, suspended from the top of the 
tent, were several purple lamps. Upon one 
side was the royal couch, on the other was a 
beautiful bathing vessel. A great costly rug 
covered the ground, and the air was filled with 
the rich incense. So here was where she wanted 
to see me. Well, I would wait for her. Sud- 
denly I started, as I found I was not alone. 
When I had entered the tent, not being fully 
awakened from my slumbers, or perhaps due 
to the change of lights, I had noticed no one, 
and had remained standing at the threshold. 
Now, as I glanced in the direction from whence 
the sound came, I saw the royal couch was not 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


153 


unoccupied, and that the Queen was reclining 
upon it and beckoning to me. 

For a moment I stood still. Tired, stiff, 
wounded, angry, I felt that old sense of fascina- 
tion stealing over me. At the moment I hated 
her for it, hated the very sight of her face as 
she sat there, but I knew I would go to her, 
and go to her I did. There before her I stood. 
Something within me called to me to slay her 
as she lay there. By her couch was a foot-stool. 
She beckoned me to sit upon it, and though I 
felt myself swayed with shame and anger, I 
obeyed even her gesture. I felt she was rob- 
bing me, not only of my strength, but even of 
my will. Then I made a last effort to save 
myself. I would not look her in the eyes. I 
felt her trying to force me, but I gathered my 
strength, and would not yield. 

At last she gave up the struggle, and, as if 
offended, said: “I have waited long for your 
coming, Duke.’* 

“ The man, whom you sent, no sooner found 
me than I came, O Queen.” 

“True, I did send for you. Things have 
come to an ill pass when in the hour of her need 
the Queen must send for her servants.” Crafty 
woman that she was, she knew this means never 


154 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


failed to win me back. Till then I had been 
calm and obdurate, but this unjust charge 
angered me, just as she knew it would. 

“ Nay, O Queen,'’ I answered, “it would be 
a bold servant who would thrust himself unbid- 
den into the royal presence, after he had been 
dismissed in anger.” Then she laughed, a low 
rippling laugh. 

“So,” she said gayly, “that is where the 
boot chafes. I am not yet forgiven. Well, 
what must I do to obtain forgiveness,” she 
asked, laying her hand upon my head. “ Shall 
I comb your hair, and bathe my lord’s brow ? ” 
and she laughed softly again. But I could not 
forget my shame. 

“Nay, O Queen,” I answered, “I cannot 
forget my shame. I, who never knew what 
shame was, felt it to-day, and heard myself 
called coward. Aye, and before my troops.” 
I felt my face burn with remembrance of it. 
Then I felt something else. I felt an arm steal 
gently around my neck, and a voice close to my 
ear said softly : “ And have you no thought for 
your Queen ? Can you not guess what / have 
suffered ? Can you not think what I must have 
felt — what shame — what degradation, when I 
stood by and heard the fierce Altoraz assail you 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


155 


SO brutally, and yet said nothing ? At least that 
which shamed you justified you as well ; for it 
proved to me that you had been right, and by 
my own faintheartedness I had probably lost my 
crown. But then it was too late, for the enemy 
had already escaped us. And,” she went on, 
“ all the long day I was alone with my thoughts 
and my shame, for / suffered shame, too.” 
I felt the hand on my shoulder tremble, and 
there was a quiver in her voice, and seeing that 
my anger was passing, she went on. “All day 
I waited for you to come near me, that I might 
seek your forgiveness, and you never came, and 
when at last night came, I shamed myself still 
again, and sent for you. Can you guess what 
I suffered while I waited, and you did not come ? 
Then, when at last you did come, it was with 
reproaches — and how could I tell you then what 
I felt, I, who am only now learning to humble 
myself? ” 

What could I do when these soft words 
were poured into my ear? I was but a man 
with a man’s weakness, and I forgave her. She 
drew a silver dish near and bathed my brow 
with scented water. All the while she said 
naught, though I felt myself growing strangely 
forgiving. When at last she finished, she drew 


156 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


her signet from her finger, and, taking my one 
hand, would have slipped it on ; but I drew 
back. Though I had forgiven her, I would not 
take back the command. Still she held my 
hand in hers and asked me mutely with her 
eyes ; but I shook my head. “ Nay, Queen," 
I answered, “ I will fight in the rank, but I will 
not take back the signet. Twice have I given 
it up in dishonor ; I do not relish doing it a 
third time." In vain she pleaded with me, she 
who till now had been used to command. But 
I would not yield. I could not forget the scene 
of the morning. 

Knowing, however, the nameless fate that 
awaited her if she fell into my brother’s hands, 
she knew she must win at any hazard, so she 
played her last stroke. Gently she unclasped 
her arm from about my neck and drew away 
from me. Then for a space there was silence. 
I looked at her, and, though she held her eyes 
averted, I saw the long lashes dim with tears. 
Moved, I took her hand and would have drawn 
her to look at me ; but, knowing the time was 
not yet ready, she would not, but still held her 
face from me. I saw a great pearly tear drop 
upon her cheek. Then I forgot she was the 
Queen and made her turn to me. “ So," she 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


157 


said reproachfully, ‘‘you would make me 
humble myself to the very ground before you. 
You would wring my secret from the bottom 
of my heart. Can you not guess,” she said, 
looking at me, “why I put you above old 
and experienced captains, why I wanted you 
to lead my soldiers ? ” And then her eyes 
fell. 

How my heart suddenly began to beat at 
her words. I felt her hand seeking mine, and 
upon it, no longer resisted, she placed the 
signet. As I felt it touch me a sudden doubt 
came over me as if an icy hand had been laid 
upon my heart. She saw it, but victory was too 
near to be lost now. She had avowed a love 
for me. Now she would prove it by her actions. 
And so, in the dim purple light of the tent, 
there upon that gorgeous couch, with the air 
heavy with the perfume of her scented hair, she 
ensnared me with the glamor of her beauty. 
Over my senses she threw a witchery that 
charmed away reason, will and strength ; held 
me in her power, till the pleasure of my passion 
grew almost into pain, the pain of ecstacy, 
until the lights went out and left us watching 
the stars turn in their courses, silent as the 
twain that sat and watched them, the one the 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


slave playing the master ; the other the mistress, 
playing the slave. 

Two days later we were back in the capital. 
Alcazeda had fallen back before our determined 
advance, feeling no doubt, in his cautious way, 
that it was the best policy to await the arrival 
of his ally. The Queen had sent for the leaders 
of the army, and taken upon herself the full 
responsibility for that unfortunate order on the 
day of the battle. I was completely justified ; 
and, the story having spread through the army, 
I was held in greater esteem than ever. Lord 
Altoraz had come to me, and when I would not 
hear of his making any amends, embraced me 
warmly, and from that time the old soldier 
showered upon me all the affection of his stern 
old warrior heart. 

On the whole, our sortie had resulted more 
in our favor than anything else. We had 
matched our untried soldiery against my 
brother’s veterans, and come off best. The 
men, firmly believing we would have gained 
the battle, had it not been for the Queen’s 
interference, had gained immensely in spirit, 
and spoke confidently of holding the capital 
successfully. Even the Queen herself spoke 
and acted with confidence for the first time 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


^59 


since she had accepted the Princes’ gage of 
battle. But I and Lord Zelad, Lord Altoraz, 
and others knew how grave was the issue, and 
that all the strength, all the wisdom and valor 
at our command, would be needed to guide the 
Queen safely through the struggle. But we 
said naught, keeping our own counsel and pre- 
paring the city for the coming storm. The 
gates of the capital were barred fast, and night 
and day men slept on the walls. The troops 
were divided into three bodies, one of whom 
garrisoned the walls, while the second slept, 
and the third was employed in strengthening 
the defences. 

On the morning of the second day after 
our return to the city at sunrise, the men on 
the walls saw that the hills around the city 
were covered with the enemy’s tents. From 
then on, there was no more passage without. 
About noon several of the enemy’s horsemen 
approached the main gate, and blew a trumpet. 
A herald approached and announced that they 
had been sent by the Princes to hold speech 
with the Queen. They were taken blindfolded 
to the palace. Seated upon the throne, the 
Queen received them. Around her were her 
Joyal chiefs. 


i6o PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

The first spokesman was one of Alcazeda’s 
favorite retainers, a man much like his master. 
Courteous, diplomatic, and rather handsome, 
he addressed the Queen in a pleasant and 
respectful tone. He begged her to remember 
that he was but the mouthpiece of his master, 
and he prayed her to pardon anything that 
might seem discourteous in his words, knowing 
as he did, that nothing but loyalty and devo- 
tion to the Queen was in his master s heart. 
He referred to the faithful allegiance of his 
master to the Queen’s father, the late King, 
and also to the present Queen during the late 
regency. He referred to the disturbed condi- 
tion of the kingdom, to the temptation afforded 
to the neighboring realm to fall upon the 
country, and to recover the losses sustained in 
the late war. In fact, he hinted an embassy 
from thence had already met the Princes, but 
had been allowed to remain unanswered, solely 
however for the purpose of gaining time, and 
to avoid precipitating a quarrel. Craving the 
Queen’s pardon for his long peroration, he 
prayed to be allowed to present his master’s 
petition. Throughout his speech the Queen 
had listened with unmoved face. Now she 
nodded him to proceed. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS i6i 

“Then,” continued the speaker, “my 
master prays that he and those with him be 
permitted to return to court, and again enjoy 
the pleasure of your majesty’s favor. He 
prays that past offences may be forgotten, 
trusting that your majesty would willingly for- 
give such that peace may again come to the 
land, and you enjoy the inheritance left you by 
the late King, your father. He also trusts 
that you will do simple justice to his friend, 
the Prince of Gravas, still your loyal subject, 
despite late occurrences ; against whom your 
majesty’s favor has of late turned. He com- 
mends his best wishes to your majesty, and 
hopes that, with a wisdom beyond your years, 
you v/ill consent to give peace back to an 
afflicted country.” He ceased speaking, and 
bowed respectfully. 

I turned to look at the Queen. She had 
watched him keenly, losing no word of his 
speech, nor a single look as bespoke. Had he 
been alone, I think he would have won her over, 
or at least, the issue of war would have been 
avoided ; for he spoke so discreetly and withal 
with such a wisdom intermingled with a tone 
of apparent sincerity that did much to win 
persuasion. She smiled favorably at the con- 


i 62 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


elusion of his speech. Just then, however, her 
eye chanced to fall upon the face of his com- 
panion, the envoy of the Prince of Gravas. 
My brother could have chosen no one less 
fitted for his errand, if the errand were peace. 
As truly representative of my brother as the 
other had been of Alcazeda, he took no pains 
to veil the character of his message in soft 
sounding words. With ill-concealed contempt, 
he listened to the suavity of his companion’s 
speech, and it was this look which the Queen’s 
eye’s detected as they fell upon his face. 

In an instant she realized the real import 
of the message sent her. The feelings of 
kindness which had entered her heart disap- 
peared. She did not in the least doubt that the 
victory, of which she had robbed herself once, 
could again be won for her, and this feeling 
nerved her to be defiant. Moreover, she 
clearly saw that beneath the soft sounding 
words there came no real offering of peace ; so 
it was in this spirit that she rose to make 
answer to the envoys. 

“ Methinks your lord, the Prince, could have 
sent no one better suited to your errand, and 
if it fails, my lord, it will in no wise be owing 
to the messenger. But I fear you have told 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


163 


but one-half of your message, or is your com- 
panion charged with the other part? What,” 
she continued, her lip curling slightly, “what 
if we cannot accept your offer of peace ? What 
if we remember, strangely enough, that we are 
Queen, and it is for us to send terms ? What 
if we wonder that your master insults us by 
sending a messenger to sue for peace in his 
place? What if we think he is insolent in 
reminding us of our duty in dealing with a 
traitor and rebellious subject?” and here she 
laughed lightly. “But,” she continued, “tell 
us, my lord, with what answer will he send 
home the messenger of our neighbor, if we do 
not accept his terms? Come, my lord, be 
frank, for I see your friend will else outdo you 
in that respect.” Again she laughed. But the 
envoy would not be thus repulsed. 

“Nay, O Queen,” he answered, “be 
patient with me yet a moment. I know that it 
wearies you to hear me plead, but it is for your- 
self and your people. You are angry that my 
master comes not in person. Your majesty must 
surely know that he has just fears for his safety, 
since there are those near to you who counsel 
not well, and upon whose judgment your 
majesty relies unwisely. Therefore, O Queen, 


164 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


did he send an envoy. Moreover — ” During 
this speech the Queen had changed color, for 
his shaft struck home, and when she saw him 
about to continue, she interrupted him. 

Enough, my lord,” she cried, “there is too 
much sameness in your speech — let me see if 
your comrade can be more to the point. Come, 
my lord, she said, turning contemptuously to 
my brother’s messenger, “ what terms does 
your master send me, and what punishment if 
I refuse to accept them? ” 

The man had had it in his mind to be dis- 
courteous, but her frank rudeness robbed him 
of the chance, so he said curtly, “Past occur- 
rence shall be forgotten and overlooked” — the 
Queen nodded assent. “ Such as have suffered 
for them shall be reimbursed.” Again the 
Queen nodded. “ He shall be named Regent 
during the Queen’s minority, and his brother 
shall be delivered over to him.” Still the 
Queen remained silent and watched him. He 
rested his hands on the handle of his sword 
and looked at her. 

“And if I refused?” she asked. 

“War! — war to the knife, and no mercy.” 

For a moment she looked at his hard, 
cold face, then she turned with a contemptuous 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


165 


laugh to the other. “Was I not right, my 
lord ? Did I not guess rightly when I judged 
that so much sweetness must needs cover 
something bitter. And tell me, are these your 
lord’s terms?” The man bowed his assent. 
“So,” she cried, “and this is the substance of 
it all. I am to forget that I am a Queen. I 
am to forget that my fathers ruled in the land, 
and dealt favor and punishment unhindered. 
I am to crave mercy of traitors and rebels — to 
go and come at their beck and call, and make 
out of myself a puppet, a royal puppet, to 
dance when they pull the string. My lords, 
you do but little know me. Go !” she cried, 
rising in her anger, her eyes flashing, and her 
breast heaving with excitement, “ go ! Go unto 
them that sent you, and bear unto them my 
message. Tell them their Queen bids them 
choose. Let them stand before me as suppli- 
cants for my mercy ere the setting of this day’s 
sun, or let them choose war — war to the knife, 
and no mercy. Go !” and they went, and with 
them went all hope of peace. 

During the next week we labored with the 
defences of the city, hearing nothing of the 
Princes. Often during the night, parties came 
near the gates and close to the walls, but our 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


1 66 

vigilance was too great and they retreated. 
Inside the gates we threw up new lines of 
defences, strengthened by ditches, so that in 
case a gate might be lost, it would be of no 
great advantage to the enemy, for we had fifty 
thousand men in the city, and we used them to 
good advantage. Still there came no signs of 
an attack. Gradually there crept over the city a 
feeling of wonder, akin to fear. What did it 
mean ? Why did not the Princes show their 
hand ? Surely they had not come thus far to 
sit down in quiet at our gates. Some shook 
their heads and said they intended a siege. 
Others, a few reckless spirits, said they feared 
to attack the strong defences of the city ; but 
the great majority feared some sudden surprise, 
and, as they gave no sign, grew more uneasy. 

Soon the Queen began to experience the 
same feeling, and she asked us fretfully why 
the Princes delayed to attack the walls. Know- 
ing that our only hope lay in waiting, we tried 
to reassure her, by telling her that each day 
gained was a day in our favor, — for it saw the 
defences growing stronger ; but though we 
spoke thus bravely, in our hearts we had 
strange misgivings, for, seeing the great num- 
ber of people to be fed in the city, we feared 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


167 

the result if the enemy really intended a siege. 
Finally the Queen called a council. She 
demanded our views. Most of the lords tired 
of inaction, counselled an attack, and foremost 
among these was Lord Altoraz. “ Of what 
use,” he cried, “ to lay inactive, — of what use 
are defences when there is no food.” In a few 
weeks, food would become scarce, meantime 
the men would grow restless under inaction 
and lose confidence, — traitors and dissension 
would spring up in the city ; whereas, a few 
bold attacks, he argued, even if they did not 
cripple the enemy, would have a good effect 
upon the spirits of the men. 

His impetuous address won over the coun- 
cil, especially as the Queen was known to 
desire the same thing ; but I would not consent 
to any such action. Our men had seen but 
little fighting, and were liable, if exposed to 
a sudden reverse, to become panic-stricken. 
Moreover, in fighting behind our own walls, we 
had an incalculable advantage. It was true, I 
admitted, that the food question was a danger- 
ous one ; but, I argued, the enemy were not 
much better off. All the food within several 
days' travel of the capital had been brought 
within the city, or else destroyed. The fugi- 


i68 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


tives, with the women and children we had sent 
into the far away had stripped the country bare 
in their passage. The enemy would have to 
forage from a great distance, and so, in a short 
while, would be forced to attack us. In vain 
did the others argue, — in vain even did the 
Queen grow petulant. I would not consent, 
and so the council came to an end. 

Subsequent events quickly proved I was 
correct. On the second day the enemy assaulted 
us. The city was attacked from five different 
places at once, but only one of these was 
intended as a real assault. It was partly suc- 
cessful. They pressed toward a weak part of 
the wall — scaled their way, despite the efforts 
of the defenders, and, had it not been that a 
strong body of troops happened to be passing 
near at the time, and were hurried to the scene 
they might have held their position. The oppor- 
tune arrival of these fresh men changed the 
state of affairs, and after a desperate struggle 
they were driven out. The men defending the 
place were set to work, and the spot soon made 
impregnable to another assault. From then on. 
even the most energetic of the garrison had 
nothing to complain of In the way of Inaction. 
Attack followed attack with wearisome regu- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


169 


lanty. Every hour of the day, and ofttimes at 
night, found the men engaged in defending the 
walls. Every stratagem, every mode of attack 
known to the art of war, was directed against 
the city. Each attack was veiled by a general 
assault all along the wall, so that the men on 
both sides were kept in a state of incessant 
activity. For eight days the men slept on their 
arms. Indeed, I think the city would have 
fallen several times had it not been for the 
method in which I conducted the defence. I 
kept one third of the men actually on the walls ; 
the remainder, divided into small bodies, were 
distributed near every spot from where the city 
could be assaulted. Six times did the enemy 
force the gates, but each time the arrival of these 
fresh troops, held close at hand, prevented 
further advance, and, by the aid of the archers, 
they were compelled to fall back. 

Only once did the ultimate success seem 
uncertain — one body, led by my brother, pene- 
trated even beyond the second line of defence ; 
spurred on, however, by their leaders, the gar- 
rison pressed in behind and separated the 
leaders from the main body of the enemy. 
Finding themselves thus cut off, and the others 
halted, the leaders were compelled reluctantly 


170 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


to return ; but even this they did with the utmost 
difficulty, for the defenders, encouraged by their 
temporary success, threw themselves boldly 
among the horses, and severed their ham- 
strings, throwing the riders to the ground. 
Only by the most desperate fighting did my 
brother and the survivors, a mere handful, fight 
their way back to their comrades. Thrice did 
he again essay to lead his men in ; but, though 
he himself left a swath of dead in his path, so 
furiously did the royal troops defend the place 
that the body of his men could not advance. 
At last, the constant accession to our numbers 
made our line so dense that it was evident 
the attack had failed, and they sullenly with- 
drew. 

During this time we had been losing heav- 
ily every day, having lost at least ten thousand 
men. The enemy must have fared even worse, 
though they still outnumbered us two to one. 
At last, as if convinced that the city was too 
strong to be taken by storm, they fell back to 
their camps, apparently with the intention of 
starving us out. The relief of the garrison can 
be imagined. Since the beginning of the attack, 
the leaders had been on the walls night and 
day, finding there such sleep as they could, and 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


171 


'when at last, on the ninth day, the city awoke, 
and looking from the housetops and the walls, 
found the foe gone, it seemed as if it had 
awakened from a dreadful nightmare, and all 
gave a sigh of relief. 

Save on a few occasions, I had scare seen 
the Queen since the fighting on the walls 
began, and then but to make a hurried report. 
Now, finding there was no likelihood of an 
immediate attack, I took my way toward the 
palace. Though all had chafed more or less 
under my restraint when I refused to let them 
attack the enemy, yet the sudden and ample 
verification of my prediction had subdued 
everyone ; and men and leaders now looked 
toward me as the real head and support of the 
royal power, and I was glad of it. Not that I 
cared for power, — not that I cared if thousands 
of men marched forward at my word to face 
their death, — not that I cared if at my beck 
dukes came and went, and a Queen obeyed in 
silence my orders. No ! As I dismounted 
at the palace door and made my way to the 
Queen, I only gloried in that power, because it 
was needed to serve the woman whom I loved, 
— because her life and crown rested upon it, to 
rise or fall as it did. 


172 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


When I stood before her, tired and weary 
as I was, the sight of her face sent a thrill over 
me, and the memory of strife fell away from 
me, and I was happy. Happy to be near her, 
— for the first time since she had owned her 
love. Happy to see her face, and hear her 
voice. At her bidding I sat down beside her, 
and for the first time I called her Hosyra, and 
the many other little names that a lover finds, 
and she drew my great arm around her, and 
bade me assure her that the danger was over. 

Chiding her, I asked her if she thought I 
would leave it to others to look after her saf- 
ety, and so we billed and cooed, and thought 
not of the hour that should bring back the 
struggle. Yet, even then, my happiness 
seemed not yet complete, for, though I loved 
her, and had won my heart’s desire, yet there 
seemed to be an unrealness about it. Like 
some defect in a lustrous gem, that ever mars 
the pleasure to its owner, so a strange sense of 
intangible dissatisfaction, like a ghost at a 
wedding feast, would ever come even while I 
looked into her eyes. Only once, long after- 
wards, did I learn to know what it was. Born 
as she was to regal power, — endowed with the 
nature to which that absolute power was as 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


173 


essential to the enjoyment of life as freedom is 
to the wild song bird, it was but natural that 
the intense desire to retain the same at any 
cost should have forced a conflict in her nature, 
when the latter tried to surrender itself to love, 
and when that love threatened to deprive her 
of the former. For her selfishness as yet was 
greater than her love, and she was ready to 
sacrifice the latter when the necessity arose. 

I believe she knew this in her heart ; and 
so, while she accepted my caresses, she was 
ever on the alert that, if I went down in the 
struggle, I should not drag her with me. For 
it needed but little wisdom to know that the 
struggle between the Princes and myself had 
become one of life and death, and she dreaded 
their strength. But of all this I knew nothing 
— indeed, what man can understand the motives 
of the woman he loves, and I least of all men. 
So I would not look at the spectre, and drank 
in her honeyed words, and basked in her smiles, 
and went forth to offer my life in battle for her. 

All that day the enemy remained quietly on 
the hill, and on the next the same way, and 
still on the next, and food ever grew more 
scarce in the city, and then men, forgetting the 
past, came and spurred me on to action. They 


174 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


demanded that I should go forth and strike a 
blow at the enemy, and at last many of the 
townsmen had no food amongst themselves, 
and had to be fed from the royal granaries, and 
the troops had to be placed on half rations. 
Then, for fear their idleness might let them talk 
and grow discontented, I kept them busy 
improving the defences. The latter grew so 
strong they could no longer be taken by 
assault ; but there was a worse enemy within 
the walls than without. Day by day the crowds 
of hungry ones that had to be fed from the 
royal storehouses, grew greater, until it became 
a mighty mob that jostled and pushed one 
another in their endeavors to reach the doors, 
and troops had to be held there to keep them 
in check. At first they joked and made sport 
of the waiting, but after a few days they grew 
impatient and tired of the long delay, and then 
the troops had to use force to keep the impa- 
tient ones in order. 

One day some of them resisted, and the 
guards struck with the blunt edge of their 
swords, driving them into line, whereat they 
reviled the soldiers, taunting them with not 
striking the foe instead. At last blood was 
shed, and the townsmen began to look upon 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


175 


the troops as enemies. They grew sullen and 
silent, and one day when the Queen rode 
abroad, they no longer cheered her, but let her 
ride past in silence. When she came back to 
the palace she was greatly angered, though 
frightened as well, for she knew that a house 
divided among itself could not stand. Certain 
impatient ones of the lords, when they beheld 
this, showed they were discontented with rny 
enforced inaction, murmuring that these things 
had been foretold, and that worse would follow. 
The Queen harkened unto them, and was fain 
to call a council ; but though she wished to, she 
dreaded it, for she knew my mind. 

Each day she had questioned me concern- 
ing when I should take the field, but always I 
had answered the same way. Still, knowing 
what was in her mind, it worried me, and on 
the night of the sixth day after the enemy 
had withdrawn from the walls, I sent out spies. 
They returned, bringing me news that the 
enemy found food only with great difficulty, 
which difficulty was growing each day, and 
unless the city gave in, or was quickly taken, 
the Princes would have to withdraw their army 
for want of food. This I told to the Queen, 
and, though it did not satisfy her, I saw she 


176 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


was silent. However, on that very afternoon, 
the townsmen, having secretly armed them- 
selves, broke into open disorder, so that the 
troops had to charge upon them and drive 
them within doors. 

That night, a fire broke out and laid part 
of the city in ruins. The turmoil spread 
and reached even to the palace ; and some of 
the nobles, returning thence, had missiles 
hurled at them from the mob. The troops, 
too, began to murmur. On the next day I was 
summoned by an officer to attend the Queen. 
I followed him to her apartment. Izeil was 
arranging her hair as I entered, and, though she 
heard my name announced, I noticed she did 
not look up, though the Queen nodded care- 
lessly, and motioned me to be seated. Finding 
she had no intention of speaking to me, I 
watched Izeil in silence. 

Suddenly it struck me I had not seen much 
of the girl lately. Unconsciously my mind ran 
back to the scene in the palace hallway that 
evening when I brought her home. I remem- 
bered dimly being puzzled by the way she had 
acted, and even found myself wondering vaguely 
at the cause of it. So much had happened 
since then. Viewed behind the intervening 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


177 


events, it seemed years ago. Yes, Izeil looked 
much older now, she had lost all that youthful 
sprightliness that made her eyes seem to 
sparkle when she laughed at some clever thrust 
she had made. I noticed, too, there was an air 
of sadness in her manner, as with a motherly 
tenderness she caressed the Queen’s hair, and 
ran her deft fingers through it, arranging it 
with a patience and taste such as none other 
could. Hosyra lay there, giving no sign that 
she knew Izeil ever existed, or for that matter, 
that I was near her. She was playing idly with 
a jeweled fan, made of great black plumes. 
At length, Izeil finished her toilet and sat down 
near the Queen’s feet. Still the Queen played 
with her fan. To my wonderment, I found 
myself watching her motions. Somehow to-day 
her manner lacked interest. She seemed as if 
the affairs of the kingdom had no concern for 
her. I guessed she had something to say, and 
knew not how. She had grown petulant in the 
last few days because I would not venture forth 
from the city gates. There was certainly a 
change in her manner to-day. 

At last, without looking at me, she said in 
a careless tone, “ The nobles demand that I 

appoint some one to lead them upon the 
12 


178 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


enemy.” And she looked at me so indiffer- 
ently that for some time I could not speak. 
“You see,” she continued in the same strain, 
“ the townsmen jeer the troops, and demand 
that they fight ; the troops demand of their 
nobles to let them ; the nobles have demanded 
a leader of me, and so I told them to wait till 
I found out v/hat you intended to do,” and 
again she looked at me with that indifferent 
stare, as if the matter could not possibly con- 
cern her, and were wholly my own affair. 
Though I knew she was but feigning, yet it 
pained me. For several moments longer I 
continued to watch her, saying nothing, while 
slowly the truth dawned upon me. 

Certainly she did not love me. She only 
cared for me, if she cared at all, as a child 
might care for a plaything. I had crossed her 
in not giving the enemy battle, and this was 
the way she was taking revenge. With the 
revelation came the recollection of her words, 
and her pretenses of love, when she won me 
back that night in the tent. As I thought of it, 
I grew fiercely angry, and w^ould have shown her 
my feelings then and there ; but we were not 
alone, and I let my face fall forward in my 
hands, and with a great effort kept silent. Then 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


179 


my anger suddenly gave way to an aching pain 
that redoubled itself even when I thought it 
spent. For a while I sat so, forgetful of all 
around me. Then I heard her speak again. 
** What answer shall I give them?” she asked. 

'‘We will fight in the morning,” I said, with- 
out looking up, and my voice sounded so 
strangely that I myself started at the sound of it, 
and then, ere I was aware of it, she was stand- 
ing beside me. 

I felt her lift my face toward her, and she 
said with the old smile, “ I am so glad you have 
decided to fight at last. Every day I wanted 
to ask you to so badly ; but I tried to be silent, 
knowing you would do so when the time had 
come,” and then she smiled again, and bending 
down, kissed me on the forehead. But the 
smile only brought back the sharp pain again, 
and I felt myself shrink as her lips touched my 
brow. Then she left and Izeil followed her. 

But I — I sat there ; and as I realized I was 
alone, it all came back to me. The pain, the 
same, the hopeless despair, and I almost wept 
as I buried my face in my hands. Then sud- 
denly I felt two hands touch my head, and I 
heard a sound as if some one had softly kissed 
my hair. My heart gave a leap — she had 


i8o 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


repented ; yes, she had come back to win for- 
giveness, to take away my pain. With a sud- 
den feeling of joy, I turned quickly, only to see 
Izeil disappear though the doorway. I cannot 
tell you just how I felt. I did not seem to 
realize things distinctly. I remember wander- 
ing, in a confused way, through the halls of the 
palace. I found myself standing near the great 
doorway. I remember the palace guards were 
drawn up on either side, and they were lead- 
ing some one in, and he was blindfolded, and 
they led him upstairs, and he and they disap- 
peared, and men saluted me, and I nodded, 
and wandered upstairs again, and somehow I 
found myself wandering toward her room. I 
hesitated as I raised the curtain in the door- 
way, and then I entered. I heard the sound of 
some one weeping, and looking around I spied 
Izeil. She w^as sitting upon the seat I had occu- 
pied before, and was unaware of my presence. 
I walked toward her, and placed my hand 
gently upon her shoulder. She turned her face 
up toward me. I shall never forget the look 
that came over her sad tear-stained face. First 
there came a startled look into her tearful eyes, 
then, when she recognized me, there v/as, just 
for an instant, a flash of joy ; but ere one could 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS i8i 

make sure it was there, it was gone, and like 
waves, the blushes surged over her face, dyeing 
it a deep red, as she quickly hid it from me. 
That look woke me from my stupor. “IzeiV 
I said, “tell me why you weep ? 

“Nay, my lord,” she said, rising, her face 
still covered with a gentle blush, while for the 
time the old saucy look came back into her 
eyes, “ Nay, I am a foolish maid, whose Queen 
will scold her roundly for such foolishness.” 
But the lesson my heart had been taught that 
day had opened my eyes, and I had no need of 
more questioning. I could not help feeling 
tenderly for the little maid who had loved me 
so unhappily, and to whom I could give nothing 
more than a brotherly affection. For my love 
had been given away, nay, poured out, as it 
were, into a vessel that had no bottom, and I 
had naught more to give. 

I remembered how when she had seen the 
Queen wound me so sorely, she had come back 
to soften my pain ; and, taking her face in my 
hands, I said kindly, “Izeil, was it you who 
came back and kissed me ? ” Again she 
blushed, and dropped her eyes, and, as she did 
so, one tear that had gotten caught in her 
lashes escaped, and dropped upon her cheek. 


i 82 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


and the latter grew rosy again. ** Nay, Izeil,'* 
I said, “it was naught to be ashamed of, but 
since it worries you, I will give it back,*' and I 
Pcissed her upon the forehead. The kiss brought 
back the look of joy that had fleeted over her 
face when I surprised her on coming in, even 
though she knew it was only kindness that 
prompted me. 

At that moment something made us both 
look up, and there, in the doorway, stood the 
Queen. I felt as if some one had suddenly 
stuck a knife into me, while over Izeil’s face 
there came a scared look as if death were 
hovering near her. As for the Queen, she 
stood there watching us, — a smile of contempt 
upon her face. 

“Perhaps I intrude,” she said, contemptu^ 
ously, and she laughed a nasty sounding laugh. 
Then her look fastened upon Izeil, and it 
grew harder and revengeful, while it was pith 
ful to see the hopeless, beseeching look that 
came into poor Izeil’s face. She knew she had 
offended the Queen past all forgiveness ; but 
she loved the latter so much that the Queen 
had really become a part of her existence. 
Even her love for me paled beside that affec- 
tion ; and as she gazed upon the merciless look 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


183 


that confronted her, she turned deathly pale. 
“So,” exclaimed the Queen, finally, “you have 
presumed to lift your eyes where I had let mine 
rest. Go ! ” she continued, in cold, cutting 
tones. “ Go, and never let me rest my eyes 
on your face again ! ” and with her uplifted 
hand she pointed the w^ay past her. Slowly, 
unsteadily, as if a sentence of death had been 
passed upon her, Izeil tottered toward the way 
she pointed. As she was passing her, she made 
a motion as if she would have made an appeal 
for mercy, but one glance at the face before 
her checked it, and she disappeared without. 

Then the Queen turned to me. Right and 
honor were upon my side, and she knew it, and 
before my fearless, nay, half-defiant look, she 
hesitated for a moment. Then the revengeful 
look in her face came back. “My lord,” she 
said, sneeringly, “ a courier from the Princes 
has just arrived. Will you attend the council 
that we may hear their terms ? ” She smiled 
evilly, as if something pleased her. I attended 
her to the council chamber. The rest of the 
lords were assembled there, and all arose as 
the Queen entered. With a cold, hard smile 
upon her face, she seated herself upon the 
throne. At her signal, two guards entered 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


184 

v/ith the messenger between them. She nod- 
ded, and they removed the blindfold. Again 
she nodded, this time to the messenger. “ You 
may state the terms offered by the Princes.’' 
The man bowed, repeated his message, and 
was asfain removed. 

The terms were very much the same as 
before, save in one particular. No mention 
was made of my brother becoming regent. 
Only pardon was asked for, and my surrender. 
Then I understood the Queen’s motives. She 
had heard the message privately, and had 
repaired to her own chamber to inform me of 
the same ere the council met, and in this way 
had been led to discover us. I do not think it 
was so much her jealousy that made her act so, 
as it was that I had hurt her pride by stooping 
to kiss her maid after she, the Queen, had 
kissed me ; and she determined to revenge 
herself by subjecting me to the humiliation of 
knowing and feeling that it was to her gener- 
osity alone that I owed my life and safety, and 
that she thought so little of me that she would 
not even honor me by surrendering me to the 
Princes to obtain revenge. This I felt keenly, 
and all the while, she sat watching me, smiling 
as she saw that her shaft had struck home. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


185 


The rest of the nobles noticed that in some 
way I had lost favor, and most of them were 
glad of it. They had grown weary, or were fast 
growing so, both of my rule and of the strug- 
gle, from which nothing was to be gained and 
all might be lost. Indeed, I fancied some of 
them would not have been sorry to have seen 
the Queen purchase peace, even though I 
should be the price, and somehow, though no 
one spoke a word, yet I, and the rest as well, 
seemed to feel this instinctively, and then 
Lord Zelad arose. He had felt this, too, 
but his strong sense of honor had swept it 
away. 

“Your majesty,’' he said, addressing the 
Queen, “I fear I have grown to be very old, 
for it seems I have lived to see sad changes. 
In my youth,” and the old man’s eyes gleamed 
proudly, “had any one come to insult our 
King with such a message, he had been flung 
from the palace doors, even though he were 
but the mouthpiece of another. What need to 
deliberate? Surely death must be preferable 
to shameful dishonor — and dishonor it would 
be to even consider their terms, much less to 
surrender to vile traitors a man whose only fault 
is that he had served his Queen but too well 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


1 86 

The old man folded his arms, and looked at 
them contemptuously ; they could not look at 
him, and for the moment were ashamed in their 
hearts. Hosyra, too, was somewhat ashamed, 
but not so much ashamed as angry. I do not 
believe that at that moment she really enter- 
tained any idea of surrendering me She only 
wished to humble me, and punish me for kiss- 
ing Izeil, and here was Lord Zelad in his bluff, 
honest old way, actually making her feel the 
very thing she had intended for me. What is 
more, she knew by the look on my face that I 
knew it, and that was what angered her. 

Now, had I been a wise man, I had held out 
the hand of peace to her, and all might have 
been well. But I could not forget the dumb, 
begging look on Izeil’ s white face, and the hard, 
iron look that met it ; and my heart grew hard, 
and I would not spare her ; and though I had 
sat with a look of indifference on my face 
throughout the meeting, I now arose and 
spoke. 

“Nay,” I said, “ surely it is not meet that a 
single man should stand between peace and a 
war-afflicted country. Having fought until 
further fighting is useless, why,” I asked sar- 
castically, “ should I not be made use of in 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


187 


another way ? ” I feigned to wait for an answer, 
as if the question were the most natural one in 
the world. 

Hosyra realized I had v/orsted her at every 
pass, and though her eyes glittered with hate, 
she answered with an affected calmness, “ Nay, 
my lord, the time is ill chosen for your wit. 
Lord Zela.d has already furnished the envoy 
with his answer.” 

Though she tried to speak calmly, her 
defeat was very bitter, and I saw her bite her 
lip to keep it from quivering. Then I relented. 
I was fast growing weary of the struggle myself, 
and was beginning to care little how it ended. 
In fact, I felt I had nothing much left worth living 
for, and I determined, once the battle began on 
the morrow, I would give death no chance to 
slip by me, so with this thought in my mind, I 
spoke again. 

“Nay, O Queen,” I said wearily, “let me 
presume to change the answer. To-morrow we 
attack the enemy. Who knows, perhaps after 
the battle we may be better able to come to 
terms with them. Therefore, let the envoy 
wait two days for his answer.” For some time 
they all gazed at me, wondering what I meant, 
all save Lord Altoraz. All through the council 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


1 88 

the old man had sat quietly by, saying nothing, 
but letting the scowl on his face show how he 
condemned giving even a hearing to the mes- 
senger, and certainly his temper had not 
improved as things went on. He knew pre- 
cisely what I meant, and when I stopped speak- 
ing he arose and came toward me. 

‘‘My lord,” he said, facing me, “I crave a 
boon.” I looked at him, and knew by the look 
on his face I had his sympathy. 

“Speak,” I answered. 

“To-morrow,” he said, “I want you to let 
me be by your side in the battle.” For a 
moment we looked into each other’ eyes in 
silence, each knowing what was passing in the 
other’s heart. Then by a common impulse, we 
clasped hands. 

“ It shall be as you wish,” I answered. 
Then I turned to the Queen. She understood 
my meaning by this time, and this, with the silent 
homage, paid me by Lord Altoraz’s act, chased 
all unworthy thoughts from her heart. She 
turned to the officer at the door. “ Let the 
Duke’s answer be given to the envoy.” He 
bowed and retired, and the council was over. 
Then the Queen rose and, followed by the 
court, proceeded to the room where she 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 189 

was accustomed to pass the day. I followed, 
having naught else to do. 

I found a quiet seat upon one side, and sat 
down, watching the others. My glance fell 
upon a young girl just entering the chamber. 
She glanced around, and spying me, came 
toward me. Courtesying, she Inquired If I 
were at leisure. I nodded. She was a com- 
rade of Izell’s. Afterwards I remembered hav- 
ing seen them together. She said Izell had 
just sent her with a letter to me. I took the 
letter and thanked her. Wondering what Izell 
should have written to me, I opened It. It read 
thus : 

“My Lord : 

“No doubt It will seem strange that I should 
write to you, but you heard the Queen’s 
doom. I may not come. Will you come 
to me ? Often have I led you to another. 
Will you come to me this once? Do not 
deny me. It Is the only boon I have ever 
craved of man. Izeil.’' 

That was all. I turned to the maid again. 

“Whither does she wish me to go?” I 
asked. 

“To her chamber.” 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


190 

I thought a moment, somewhat puzzled. I 
was loath to deny the maid, and yet it was 
scarce a fitting place to go. Then I happened 
to look up and I caught the Queen’s eye upon 
me. She was talking to several of the court, 
and yet was losing nothing of that which 
passed between us. That decided me. I would 
go. I rose, and making my way to her couch, 
I requested leave to depart. Hosyra had, of 
course, recognized Izeil’s companion, and when 
I asked to leave, she looked, for a moment, 
as though she would say something ; but she 
checked herself, and nodded. Then she turned 
abruptly away, and resumed her conversa- 
tion. Nevertheless, I could see she was angry. 
Beckoning to the maid, we took our way to 
Izeil’s chamber. I could not help wondering 
what she v/anted, and I said to the maid, “ Did 
she say naught of what she wanted ? ** 

“ Nothing,” said the maid, “save that she 
was going on a far journey, and would fain 
see you before she went.” 

It did not take long to reach her chamber, 
being next to the Queen’s, as Izeil had been 
her favorite maid. At the doorway she raised 
a curtain, and, holding it, stepped aside for me 
to enter, saying, as she did so : “ Izeil, the 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


191 


Duke is here.” Then I felt the curtain drop 
behind, and I was alone with Izeil in her cham- 
ber. It was not quite as bright as the other 
chamber had been. The light came from a 
window on one side, and under the window 
was a couch, and upon it lay Izeil. 

“Izeil,” I said, going toward her, “I am 
here. What do you wish ? ” But she made no 
sign to show that she heard me. Her face was 
turned slightly toward me. It wore a faint 
smile, and the eyes were closed, and filled with 
tears. “ Izeil,” I said, then suddenly I stopped. 
I seized her arm. It was limp. I brushed aside 
the white garments on her breast, and, as I 
did so, I noticed they were red. From her fair 
breast protruded the jeweled hilt of a dagger. 
I was horror-struck. I turned to look at her 
face, and then I noticed the other hand held a 
letter. Yes, I remembered now, she had 
seemed to hold it to her lips when I entered. 

I loosed the unresisting fingers, and exam- 
ined it. I started when I found it was addressed 
to me. With trembling and nervous fingers I 
opened it, and read : 

“ My Dear Lord Almar : 

“ I wonder if you will come to me. At first I 
wanted to wait until you had come, but when 


192 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Solas had gone I trembled lest you would 
think me bold, and the fear, lest you would 
deem me unmaidenly, and I should be ashamed 
before you, prevents me from waiting till you 
come. I can scarce write, for my foolish eyes 
are filled with tears. Yet, I hope you will come, 
because I want it to be you that takes this from 
my hand, because, I know, though you do not 
love me, you will be kind. You should be 
kind, because you know I have loved you so 
long. I think I loved you from the first time I 
met you, — on that fateful day when I led you 
before Hosyra. Hosyra ! my Queen, how I love 
her, and now, — I dare never look upon her 
face again. She has been so cruel to me of 
late, so indifferent, that at times I could scarce 
sleep for weeping, — and yet, — I cannot live 
without her, and so, — I must die. Do not 
blame her, Almar, my love, but be gentle with 
her for my sake, even though she wound you as 
she does me. And now I have finished, and 
will weary you no longer. I am going on a far 
journey, and perchance we will never meet 
again. Will you think gently of my weakness, 
— gently, because I loved you ? And now fare 
well, — farewell. I will think of you as I sink 
into my last long sleep. Izeil,” 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


193 


For a moment, I was so stunned I could 
hardly think. Poor gentle maiden. The fates 
had been very cruel to her ; she had deserved 
better of them. I looked at her again, her face 
still wore the faint, sweet smile. She looked 
happy at last, just as if she had fallen asleep, 
and was dreaming pleasant dreams. I won- 
dered if she had been thinking of me when her 
spirit fled away. Moved, I leaned over and 
touched the cool, placid brow with my lips. As 
I raised my head I caught sight of the Queen. 

It appears she had suspected my errand, 
knowing the girl to be Izeil’s companion. 
After we had gone she tried to dismiss the 
matter, but it had taken too great a hold upon 
her, and feigning fatigue she had dismissed the 
court, and retired to her chamber. This was 
next to Izeil’s. She must have listened, and 
hearing nothing, had entered just as I raised 
my head. Her eyes met mine, and this time 
they were filled with fierce, jealous anger. For 
a moment she could not find her tongue, so 
angry was she. Then she came over, looking 
furious. Something in my face puzzled her, 
and she turned to Izeil. She caught sight of 
the dagger, and stopped still, her eyes fixed 
on the dead girl's face, while the color left her 


194 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


own, till something like a scared look came 
into it. She saw that death had set its mighty 
seal on the face before her, and Izeil was past 
the call of love or duty. But even such a 
shock, dreadful as it was, did not do more than 
shake her self-control for the moment. 

As a ship that is struck by some great wave 
trembles for a moment and then proudly rights f 
itself, so I saw the lines of her face slowly grow 
stern, and her head lifted haughtily in the old 
queenly way. She might do wrong, but she 
would not let another see she regretted it. I 
handed her the letter, turning away in kindness 
that she might read it unwatched. Gently, I 
crossed the dead girl’s hands upon her breast, 
folded the long, soft curls, and took a last look. 
Then I slowly drew a covering over the face, 
and turned around. The letter lay upon the 
floor where Hosyra had stood, but she was 
gone. I was alone again, alone with the dead 
girl. 

I did not see Hosyra again until the next 
morning. I did not wish to see her. I had a 
work to do. I was to march out against some 
part of the enemy — make an attack and con- 
tinue fighting until I fell. Then on the next 
day the Queen would accept the terms of the 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


195 


Princes, and there would be peace. It was all 
quite simple. On consideration, I believed it 
would succeed best if the attack were made 
upon that part where my brother was located 
in person. Perhaps, even if I were fortunate, 
we might happen to meet one another, and I 
might be able, incidentally, to settle some old 
scores. But that was a side matter. I made 
the necessary preparations for the attack. 

Early in the morning the leaders were 
assembled in the council chamber, and in the 
Queen’s presence I gave them such instruc- 
tions as I thought fitting, and sent them to 
their posts. To Lord Zelad I left the care of 
looking after the palace and the Queen. He 
wished to accompany me, but, in consideration 
of his age and my affection for him, I would 
not let him. To Lord Altoraz I gave the com- 
mand of the body I was to lead. Then I arose 
and buckled on my sword. Throughout it all 
Hosyra had sat as one dumb — her eyes fixed 
upon me as if her mind was at war within itself. 
At last the lords were gone, then Lord Zelad 
and Lord Altoraz followed, and we were alone. 
She watched me gird on my sword in the same 
silent way, and saw me turn and salute her. 
Then she rose, and came down from her couch 


196 PRINCE OF GRAVAS 

toward me. She came quite close, and, with- 
out saying a word, placed her hands upon my 
shoulders and looked up in my face. For a 
moment there was a wistful look in her eyes. 
Then she drew my head down toward her and 
kissed me upon the forehead. Again she 
looked at me, but this time her look was more 
sorrowful. 

“You have been a true and loyal friend to 
me,” she said slowly, “ but the fates are per- 
verse and scowl at us — we must submit to 
them.” Still she looked at me, but it seemed 
as if something would not let her look long, so 
she said hastily, “ Good-bye, my lord. May 
the gods fight beside you.” And I — perhaps 
it was the last time I should see her, the last 
time I should ever look upon her face. What 
if she did not love me ? I felt a mighty feeling 
rising within me, but I choked it back, saluted 
and left her. If I had to suffer, she, at least, 
should not see it. Down in the court-yard I 
found Lord Altoraz, and together we rode 
toward the city gate. 

We found the troops already posted near 
the gate for the advance. We had arranged 
the manner of the attack thus : My brother’s 
tent was pitched upon a slight elevation, almost 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


197 


fronting one of the main gates of the city. It 
v/as also, with a single exception, nearer than 
any other of their camps. As a surprise was 
out of the question in broad daylight, we were 
to march boldly forward. The attacking force 
consisted of thirty thousand men, one-half of 
whom were to attack the hill, while the other, 
in two portions, were to place themselves 
upon either side of the battle to prevent his 
other camps from advancing to his support. 

I sat sullenly watching the bodies of men 
as they deployed into position, and then rode 
forward with the one near me. At last they 
were all in motion. Since I had left the palace 
I had not spoken to a single soul. Lord Alto- 
raz had followed me like a shadow, keeping 
close at my elbow. I could not help noticing 
that at times he gazed anxiously at my face, 
and though he sighed softly, still he did not 
speak. I could not help feeling thankful to 
the old man for respecting my silence. At last 
we drew near to the enemy. Then, as if he 
could control himself no longer, he placed his 
hand upon mine and looked at me. “You 
will fight?’* he asked, appealingly. Moved, I 
grasped his hand warmly. I said, “Yes,” and 
then smiled at him. I don’t know just why I 


198 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


smiled, but I suppose his kindness thawed me 
out. I drew my sword. He drew his, and we 
placed ourselves at the head of the column. I 
rose in my stirrups, and waved my sword for 
the advance. Forward we went. Right before 
us, a little distance ahead, was my brother’s 
tent, but to reach it we would have to win our 
way through a kind of opening, dug through 
the hillside by his men, so that he might have 
an open view of the city. It was as wide per- 
haps as four times the distance a man could 
span with outstretched arms, and the walls 
on either side rose to twice a man’s height. 
Between us and this opening were the enemy’s 
lines, and It was there I was aiming to pierce 
them, for behind them just outside this pass- 
way, sat their leader. 

’TIs a strange thing to close in battle, a 
sharp dig with the spurs that makes the horse 
leap forward as he feels it, — then the increas- 
ing gallop. Then getting a firmer grip upon 
your sword you look ahead. They are waiting 
for you, quietly it is true, but still you know 
they are there, and you are glad of it, in a 
way, for if they weren’t, you couldn’t fight. 
Now, you can see their faces clearly, and, with 
a quick glance, you choose the place you will 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


199 


Strike. Then another quick dig with the spurs, 
and you are up. You rise in your stirrups, 
and, with a mighty effort, around swings your 
sword. You aim at a fellow right before you. 
The blow crashes upon his guard, — perhaps it 
fells him to the ground. Then the horsemen 
behind you are hurled, in their wild rush, 
against you, almost pitching you out of the 
saddle. You recover yourself just in time, for 
the enemy’s foot are crowding around you. 
Again you rise in your stirrups, and around 
sweeps the great, long sword. Now, some of 
them have fallen upon the ground, and, crawl- 
ing under you, have hamstrung your horse. 
You roll out of the saddle and under the horse’s 
feet. A timely hand, — it is Lord Altoraz’s 
— drives them away till you rise. Again you are 
at them, and so it goes on. This is as near as 
I can describe it, for it all happened so quickly, 
and it is so exciting, nay exhilirating, that it 
all passed like a dream. 

We had almost pierced the main line, when 
the Prince, perceiving the danger, hurled his 
body guard against this very spot, but, despite 
it all, we drove them back, step by step, till we 
forced them into the opening. There they 
made their last desperate stand. The Prince 


200 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


himself fought at their head and led them. I 
began to work my way toward him. He per- 
ceived my effort, and ordered his knights to 
throw themselves in my way, but I was not to 
be checked in that manner. Grimly I fought 
my way toward him. In vain, knight after 
knight got in my way, only to fall under the 
hoofs of the horses, a lifeless corpse. At last 
I reached him. He was no coward, — no 
Gravas ever was, and I knew I had reached 
different mettle ere I crossed swords with him 
twice ; but it was not long ere he made a dis- 
covery, too, — the man who was fighting him, — 
the man who had come to seek death — who 
thought his life well lost if he slew him, was 
his master, — yes, and he knew it. I could tell 
it by the way his guard began to yield, and I 
knew it, too. He shouted another order to 
the men near him, and they forced themselves 
between us. I grew reckless. Was I to lose 
him now, just as victory was almost mine. 

I am afraid my recklessness had cost me 
dear had it not been for the ever watchful eye 
of Lord Altoraz ; all through the fight he had 
hovered close beside me, guarding me with a 
watchfulness that shielded me from many a 
deadly blow, and now, as I urged my horse for- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


201 


ward in a desperate effort to reach the Prince, 
I had been completely isolated amongst the 
enemy, had he not followed, guarding my rear. 
I needed it, for the blows seemed to come from 
every side. I heard him call desperately to his 
knights for help ; and the latter, excited by their 
leader’s danger, pressed forward so vigorously 
that once more the enemy felt themselves being 
forced back. The opening was almost won. 
Just then I heard a cry of warning from Lord 
Altoraz. I looked up, just in time to see the 
men above on the sides of the opening heaving 
a great piece of timber over upon us. I 
remember trying to dodge it. * ^ ^ ^ * 

I wondered where I was. Some one was 
bathing my head. I felt a strange disinclination 
to move. Then I heard some one talking. The 
voice seemed familiar. It was a woman’s voice. 
“ Will he recover ? ” it asked. “ Probably, yes,” 
answered a strange voice, one I did not recog- 
nize. He has wonderful vitality. It would 
have killed a less strong man.” Then I heard 
retreating footsteps, as if the last speaker were 
leaving. Then the familiar voice spoke again. 
It was subdued, as if the speaker were speak- 
ing to herself, and it sounded dissatisfied. 
“He seems to bear a charmed life. Why 


202 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


couldn’t he have died and saved me from 
dishonor.” 

Y es, I remembered now. I was to have died, 
and saved somebody from dishonor. Again 
the sound of footsteps, this time approaching. 
Then the woman said, in a dissatisfied tone, 
“Let him have all that your skill affords, and 
report his progress to me.” “ Yes, O Queen,” 
answered the other. “Queen!” Yes, of 
couse, it was Hosyra. I would speak to her. 
I tried to rise and everything seemed to swim 
around me, while I felt sharp pains in my head. 
At last they stopped, although there was still a 
strange buzzing in the head. Then I felt a 
cool hand placed upon my forehead, and with an 
effort, I managed to open my eyes. A man 
with a long white beard, and a kindly face, was 
looking down at me. I judged him to be a 
physician. I informed him that I wished to get 
up. He smiled indulgently, and said, “ By 
and by,” 

Angered at his words, I endeavored to rise 
alone. The pains all came back, and, had he 
not come to my assistance, I should have fallen 
back again. I sat there, he supporting me, till 
they disappeared again. He watched me anxi- 
ously, but I paid no attention to him. I was 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


203 


trying to think why I wasn’t dead. I knew I 
ought to have been, and it puzzled me. Then 
I heard a sound as if some one were entering 
again. I looked up, and saw Saad, my body 
servant. I think I was surprised to see how 
glad he looked when he caught sight of me. 

‘*Saad,”I said, “come hither. Tell me 
what is the matter. I can’t remember.” 

“Why, my lord,” answered he, “we were 
attacking the enemy’s camp, — you were fighting 
in the pass, and we had almost cleared it, when 
some of their men hurled a great log over on 
us. Just as it was about to fall you caught 
sight of it, and pulled up your horse so 
suddenly that he reared upon his hind legs, 
catching the full weight of the blow squarely 
upon his head. Both of you went down 
together. Your brother must have been 
waiting for this, for like a flash he drove his 
horse forward, shouting a great sum to the 
man who secured your head ; but quick as he 
was, my Lord Altoraz was quicker. He 
leaped his horse over your body, and his 
knights followed him. After some tough 
fighting, we managed to drag you out, and I 
got you across my horse. Then, just as I rode 
off, I turned for a last look, and saw Lord 


204 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Altoraz’s knights trying to get him out. He 
appeared to be wounded, too, but I couldn’t 
wait to see, and brought you here. 

Yes, I remembered it all now. Curses on 
my cowardice. I had gone out, wanting death 
to find me ; and when, unable to pass within 
the circle of my sword, it had come in another 
shape, my cowardice had foiled it once more. 
I think I even cursed my horse that it had taken 
the blow intended for me ; and Hosyra would 
be angrier than ever. Yes, I remembered her 
words : Why couldn’t he have died and saved 
me from dishonor.” Dishonor, what did she 
mean by that ? Did she mean that she would 
have to surrender me, now that I couldn’t die ? 
I wondered what she meant? Well, perhaps, 
there was still time — the battle was not yet 
over. I tried to rise, and Saad, guessing my 
intentions, sprang forward and assisted me. 
With his help I walked to and fro, till I grew 
quite steady on my feet. 

All the while, the old greybeard stood by, 
watching me, with a look of mixed anxiety and 
wonder. He was responsible to the Queen for 
me, and I had disdained his drugs. Then I 
expressed my intention of proceeding to the 
Queen. Here he again interfered ; he had 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


205 


sent a messenger to the Queen, telling her of 
my improvement, and I should await her 
answer. My look silenced him, and at my 
gesture he led the way. Soon we reached 
halls which I recognized as familiar. Just as 
we turned into the hallway leading to the 
Queen’s apartment, we were met by the mes- 
senger. He stopped, surprised, and saluted us. 

The Queen commanded that the Duke 
should remain where he was till he was fully 
recovered.” 

“No matter,” I said, motioning him aside, 
“ let us go on.” And on we went. 

The guard at her door saluted, and stepped 
aside. The effort of walking thither had taxed 
my strength, and I found it necessary to lean 
for a moment against the doorway to recover 
myself. As I did so I heard Hosyra speaking. 

“What am I to do,” she was asking, 
despondently. “ Had Almar not recovered I 
could have won Alcazeda over. For some 
time past fearing the worst I have been in 
secret correspondence with him, but he will not 
listen to me while Almar lives. Once united our 
forces could crush Gravas ; but if the city fell 
before, I should be at the mercy of that man. By 
the sacred gods, how I shudder at such a fate.” 


2o6 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


“ Nay,” said her listener, whom I recognized 
to be Lord Zelad, “ you do the Prince injustice. 
He could hardly act disloyally.” 

“ Disloyally !” exclaimed Hosyra, “ I should 
prefer death first. Because, my lord, because 
you have known his father, and have known 
Almar, you think all Gravases must, therefore, 
act loyally.” 

I heard her say it, and it made my heart 
beat faster with pride. I nodded to the guard, 
he raised the curtain and announced me. I 
entered. Hosyra looked at me angrily. Per- 
haps, because I had again disobeyed her orders. 
She motioned me to be seated. 

“ Nay, O Queen,” I answered, remaining 
standing, “ I am going back to the battle.” 
She looked at me as if my persistency were 
chafing her, when suddenly the guard re-en- 
tered, and behind him came a messenger. 

“ Well,” she said sharply, turning to him. 

“The enemy are massing in great numbers 
on our flanks, and the troops are falling back.” 

I could see the news was not welcome to 
her ; she nodded, and he retired. Then she 
turned again to me, and invited me to 
be seated. I sat down. The battle would 
evidently be over ere I could regain the field. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


207 


For a while we sat so, neither of the three 
wishing to break the silence. She played 
angrily with her fan, — Lord Zelad sat quietly, 
smoothing his beard, while T wondered what 
the end would be. Then, at last, another mes- 
senger. The flanks were in full retreat, and 
the centre beginning to yield. Again the 
silence. Then messenger after messenger. 
The retreat extending all along the line, — the 
men breaking ranks, — in full flight. She rose, 
— she would hear no more. Lord Zelad rose 
also, remarking he had best go down and look 
after the gates. They left me alone. 

I tried to think and think again, but it would 
come to nothing. Hosyra was angry with me, 
there was no doubt of that. I stood between 
her and safety. Even Lord Zelad appeared to 
think me an unfortunate man, a man cursed by 
the gods. I must have sat there a great while, 
for presently Saad entered and told me the 
nobles had arrived from the scene of battle. 
They were gathering in the council chamber, 
and he had been bidden to summon me. I 
arose and took my way thither. An ominous 
silence fell upon the meeting as I entered, 
though I had heard their voices in loud debate 
but the moment before. They shunned my 


2o8 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


gaze, and no one looked at, nor spoke to me. 
Then the Queen entered and seated herself, 
the rest following her example. I looked 
around for Lord Altoraz ; neither he nor Lord 
Zelad had as yet come. Then the Queen 
began to speak. I noticed, she, too, avoided 
my gaze, and looked straight before her. 

“ My lords,’' she began, “ to-morrow I 
deliver to the Princes their final answer. As 
you have adhered to me so loyally, I desire, in 
return, to let your answer be mine. Therefore 
speak your minds freely and advise me.” 

For a few moments after she had finished, 
none spoke. Then one arose. He was a 
certain Lord Kalma, a black-browed fellow, 
who from the first had taken a strong disliking 
to me. I knew he had nothing to say in my 
favor. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, 
there came through the open window a kind of 
faint sound like the distant rumble of thunder. 
The speaker stopped and listened. We all 
bent forward and listened. It came again, now 
louder. Now it grew ; it became a roar. 
Adjoining the room we were in was an open 
balcony looking over the palace yard and the 
streets beyond. The Queen arose and walked 
past us to the low wall of the balcony, and 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


209 


looked over. With one accord, we followed, I 
behind the rest. 

The streets of the city about the palace 
were filled with angry and shouting townsmen. 
They had broken forth at last. In some way 
they had gotten news of the terms of the 
Princes, and the answer returned. They had 
remained silent during the battle, but when the 
news of our utter rout reached the city gates, it 
spread like wildfire over the city. Visions of 
their city delivered to the loot of the enemy’s 
soldiers, visions of pillage, fire and slaughter 
danced before their eyes, and with a common 
impulse they seized such arms as they had, 
and rushed toward the palace. We stood and 
watched them, while they continued to roar 
like wild beasts. Then suddenly they caught 
sight of the Queen. The noise quickly began 
to hush, and in a few moments there was 
silence. Then some one cried, “Long live the 
Queen,” and a few voices took it up, but it 
quickly died away, leaving them in sullen 
silence. Then another cried, “ Down with the 
Duke ! ” and the multitude took up the cry 
until it rang like thunder, “ Down with the 
Duke ! ” Evidently I had no friends there, 

either. Then the Queen called to the cap- 
14 


210 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


tain of the Royal Guards. He appeared and 
saluted. 

“Take the Royal Guard and clear the 
streets. At least I am Queen yet, and I shall 
teach this rabble their duty.” 

Surprised, we stood in silence, waiting for 
the guards to appear. Evidently the people 
were going to suffer for her ill-humor. At last 
the guard came in sight in the yard below. Even 
I, to whom life held forth so little, felt myself 
thrilled as I watched them. They were fight- 
ing machines, hardened, tried veterans, — each 
armed to the teeth. They deployed into posi- 
tion near the gate, — as yet unseen by the towns- 
men. And then the gates swung open. With 
a rush the townsmen without tried to enter, 
only to fall upon the swords of the guards. 
The guards had their orders, and they obeyed 
them. When they slew the townsmen within 
the gates they moved out into the street for 
more, and they found them, and slew them, 
too, and slew, and slew, until the townsmen 
turned to flee in terror, while the streets were 
red. It was such a sight as a soldier turns 
aside from, and we turned and went back, sick 
at heart, into the council chamber, I saw that 
all men’s eyes were upon me, and 1 seemed to 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


21 


hear voices saying, “ It is you who are respon- 
sible for this. You who are to blame that the 
streets are covered with bleeding corpses. 
Corpses whose faces are stamped with terror, 
\vhose open eyes are sightless.” I could stand 
it no longer. I arose, and turned to where the 
Queen sat. 

“O Queen Hosyra,” I said, ^‘harken unto 
me. I have grown much weary of this fruitless 
struggle, and my heart yearns for peace and 
rest. Therefore, when the envoys come in the 
morning for their answer, let me be delivered 
over to them that the war may cease.’’ 

Little as I was minded to note the effects 
of my words, I could not help noticing that the 
look of hate that had been in the eyes of many, 
gave way to one of hope. They saw peace 
coming at last. What sound is that in the hall- 
ways — is there yet more danger ? Sounds of 
slow marching outside the doorway. Each man 
drew his sword. The curtain was drawn aside, 
and soldiers entered bearing a litter. It con- 
tained the body of a man. They halted before 
the Queen, and setting it down, stepped aside. 
Upon it lay Lord Altoraz. I felt a stab go 
through me as I looked at the old man’s face. 
It had a look that told death was near, — 


212 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


aye, very near. His head was propped up upon 
a folded cloak, and the eyes had already begun 
to look strange. Slowly they looked over the 
assembly as if searching for some one. They 
rested upon the Queen, turned on the others, 
and then fell upon me, and a look of satisfac- 
tion seemed to pass over the poor old face. 

I sprang toward the litter, and knelt by him. 
He turned his head slightly toward me and 
smiled. Then his eyes sought out the Queen 
again. For a while they rested upon her face 
as if their owner wished to ask something ; 
but at last, giving it up, they sought mine 
again, and a fond look came into them. He 
loved me, this man, despite all, and that was 
too much for my pent up feelings. My head 
dropped upon the litter beside him, and I wept ; 
yes, for the second time, I wept, but now there 
was no shame. It was a strange scene. The 
Queen, who had arisen, stood upon the raised 
platform under the dais, — the litter with the 
dying man, — the circle of armed men, who stood 
around, leaning upon their drawn swords, — 
and the weeping man beside the litter ; and so 
he passed away. They moved out softly and 
left us alone. 


CHAPTER IX 


A ll the rest of the day I wandered aim- 
lessly through the palace, waiting for 
the night to come, and then the morn- 
ing. Lord Zelad came later, and tried to talk 
with me, but I was in no mind to hear him. I 
think he told me that most of the troops had 
gotten safely into the city, and that it was quiet 
again, both within and without. After he had 
gone, Saad came to me and wished me to eat, 
but I had no hunger. Slowly the afternoon 
wore away. Toward evening I wandered out 
upon the balcony. I noticed dark clouds were 
gathering as if for a storm. As the evening 
fell it grew dark and gloomy, and I sat upon 
the balcony wall watching it ; and then night 
came, and it was a very dark night. Not a 
star, not the slightest twinkle of one anywhere, 
and I fell to thinking. “ To-morrow,” I thought, 
“I shall deliver myself to my brother.” I won- 
dered what he would do with me. Still it could 


214 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


make no difference. I had made up my mind 
I would not retreat. Besides, was it not proper 
that I should suffer? Was it not I who had 
brought on the war — I who cried for war when 
others cried for peace — I who had said resist, 
when others said yield, and why — because I 
had loved a woman. Truly I was guilty, and 
it was right I should suffer for it. 

And the Queen, what would she do? — I 
started, why, my very act would leave her at 
the mercy of my brother, just as she feared ; 
for both she and I knew that Alcazeda would 
be but a pigmy in my brother’s hands, so long 
as he was within his reach. I tried to think, 
and then a strange idea came into my head. It 
was this. The night was very dark. I could 
not make out the housetops near by. I remem- 
bered perfectly the location of my brother’s tent 
I had been within a stone’s throw of it that very 
morning. I should go there alone, in the dark. 
Why not ? Why should I not penetrate even 
to his tent, and slay him. Each moment the 
darkness grew heavier, and besides, even if 
caught, I could but die, sword in hand, and so 
escape, perhaps, a shameful death. Enough, 
the idea pleased me. I would try it. I sum- 
moned Saad. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


215 


“ Bring me wine and food in plenty, and 
bring it quickly.” 

He hurried away, and I sent for the captain 
of the Queen’s guard. Meanwhile I was filled 
with impatience. Presently he came. I bade 
him choose me an officer and ten mounted men ; 
men, I said gayly, who like to hear death riding 
on the night wind. I could see he marvelled at 
the change in my manner, but it only amused 
me. Then Saad came with the food, and I ate 
— ate hugely, and with each thing I ate I felt 
my strength coming back rapidly. For my 
health was of that rugged kind, and I had never 
known what sickness meant. Moreover, the 
prospect of having another chance at my brother 
had begun to bring about a reaction from the 
lethargy in which I had been all day. The 
latter had been assisted by my having eaten 
nothing all day, and I was surprised to feel 
the effects of a full stomach and a prospect of 
action. I had just finished eating when the 
officer, whom I had desired, presented himself. 
He saluted, reported that the men were ready 
for action, and also that the Queen desired to 
see me. Telling him to keep the men in the 
palace yard, and muffle the feet of the horses, 
and also to keep strict silence concerning the 


2i6 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


matter, I went to the Queen. She was as 
usual in her chamber. Passing the guard, I 
entered. I faced, saluted, and waited for her to 
speak. 

Come hither,” she said, beckoning me to 
seat myself near her. I did so. “ What new 
venture is this,” she asked, looking at me 
keenly. ** I thought you had decided on your 
course of action this morning.” I could see 
she was fearful lest I had changed my mind. 

“Hosyra,” I said, “had you dealt openly 
with me from the beginning, we might not be 
in this strait now. However, let us forget the 
past. Deal openly with me now. This morn- 
ing, ere I entered your presence, I overheard you 
say that you had been in secret correspondence 
with Alcazeda, and it needed but my death to 
enable you to triumph over my brother.” As 
I had begun to speak, her color deepened 
slightly, but when I spoke of secret correspond- 
ence, her glance darkened, as if she resented 
my having discovered it. “ Now,” I continued, 
“ no doubt you have acted for the best, and I 
only wish to help you. Would it not be well 
to send secretly to Alcazeda, telling him of my 
intentions, so that he may be prepared in the 
morning ? ” She looked at me suspiciously. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


217 


She began to think I was laying some kind of a 
trap for her 

“What if I have already sent?” she 
asked. 

“Already sent!” I started. Fool that I 
was, and yet I might have guessed that she had 
done so. Nevertheless, it hurt me, because it 
showed me she had discarded me completely. 
Ah, well, I had had my dream, and besides, was 
it not right she should win her battle as best she 
knew how ? But it left a canker at my heart. 
“ And what,” I answered, “ if my brother, Alca- 
zeda’s equal in guile, and his master in infamy, 
suspecting some such thing, should keep the 
latter under watch, and within his reach ? What 
if your message has found its way into his 
hands, and he knows all?” She had evidently 
never anticipated such a contingency, and 
looked nonplussed. Fearing my brother as she 
did, anything that seemed to give him an advan- 
tage over her, frightened her. Her confusion 
elated me a little. Evidently she was not the 
only one who could think. 

“What do you propose to do?” she asked, 
unable to think of anything else to say. 

“ This,” I answered : “It is dark now. The 
clouds obscure the moon. I will try to reach 


2I8 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


my brother’s tent alone. I know its location 
perfectly, and while he sleeps, I will slay him.” 
Her composure came back as she listened. She 
became satisfied I had not changed my mind, 
and moreover, a second message to Alcazeda 
could repair any damage that might have 
resulted from the first one’s miscarrying. 
Besides, even if my brother had discovered 
the first message, it would now only be the 
means of throwing him off his guard. All 
this passed like a flash through her active 
brain ere I had finished speaking. Indeed, 
she was piqued a little for having, even for a 
moment, feared me, or anything I might do, 
and so, when I had finished speaking, she said, 
a little contemptuously, “You mean to murder 
him ? ” 

“Yes,” I answered, indifferently, “murder 
him.” The word meant nothing to me. He owed 
me his life. I had won it fairly from him in the 
morning, and his cowardice alone had robbed 
me of it. She was yet looking at me with that 
half-contemptuous look, when I noticed it sud- 
denly changed into a suspicious one. My indif- 
ference to her contempt she did not understand. 
It was new to her. Her eyes seemed to pierce 
into my very soul, watching every feature of 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


219 


my face. Then a baffled look came into them, 
and she looked away, resting her chin upon 
her elbow. I watched her. She was gazing 
absently in front of her, evidently thinking. 
She remained so for quite a while. Then the 
suspicious look suddenly changed into one of 
resolution, and she turned to me again. 

“You are right,” she said, as if agreeing to 
the wisdom of my plans. “It is the only thing 
that can save us. But what,” she aske^ look- 
ing at me, “ but what if you fail ? ” 

“I do not fear death,” I answered, “and I 
may win.” 

“ Then go,” she said, “and may fortune go 
with you.” I raised my hand to salute, and 
she caught sight of the royal signet. 

“Stop,” she said, “you had better let me 
have the signet lest it fall into your brother’s 
hands and be a source of danger.” I drew it 
from my finger and presented it. Then she 
nodded to me with that same queer expression 
of satisfaction upon her face, and then I left. 
I proceeded to the court-yard. It was dark, so 
dark I could scarcely see. Suddenly a man 
stepped out of the darkness. It was the officer 
of my little band. Then Saad brought my 
horse, and I sprang into the saddle. He had 


220 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


already found my arms, and we were ready for 
the journey. I nodded to the officer, and at 
his command, uttered in a low tone, the men 
started. We reached the palace gate. It was 
opened by the men on guard, and we passed 
into the streets. I could just distinguish the 
form of the officer in the darkness, as he rode 
by my side, and that of Saad, who rode upon 
my other hand. The men behind us were 
indistinct shapes. The muffled hoofs of the 
horses gave forth no sounds, and like so many 
spirits we passed through the streets. 

At last we almost rode upon the guards at 
the city gates. There was a sharp call to arms, 
a momentary confusion, and then an explana- 
tion ; jokes were passed between the men, and 
the gates swung open. Out, out into the 
night. We listened to the creaking of the 
hinges as the gates swung shut behind us. 
Somehow, despite myself, I could not help feel- 
ing a loneliness coming over me at the sound. 
We seemed so alone of a sudden out there — 
the closed gates behind us, and the thousands 
in front. But I shook it off We urged our 
horses to a fast walk, while I kept a sharp look- 
out. A cool wind came through the darkness, 
and as it fanned my brow it felt quite refresh- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


221 


ing. At last I began to feel we were approach- 
ing the enemy’s camp. I ordered a halt. Dis- 
mounting, I gave my bridle to Saad, telling him 
to wait for me till dawn, and then return to the 
city. Meanwhile, on no account were they to 
be discovered. Throwing the cloak of a com- 
mon soldier about my shoulders so as to dis- 
guise myself, I bade Saad farewell and left 
them. Not even he knew the real object of 
my journey. 

I moved forward cautiously, trying to 
remember the way. I dared not look around 
lest I should swerve from the right direction. 
At last I felt by the slight ascent of the ground 
that I must be quite close. I slackened my 
pace and listened. I could hear nothing. Again 
I proceeded. Again I listened. This time I 
heard sounds. Dropping upon my knees I 
drew closer. It was a sentry. Retreating 
again, I made a detour and passed him. Again 
I advanced. Suddenly I almost stumbled upon 
another man. He was standing still, and I 
came upon him so quickly that he seemed to 
rise from the ground. We saw each other at 
the same time. Drawing my arm back I struck 
him a heavy blow in the face. It stunned him, 
and ere he could recover himself, I had him by 


222 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


the throat, and had stabbed him with my 
dagger. I hated to kill him, but it was neces- 
sary. I sat down to think. 

It became evident to me I had gotten too 
much to one side, so I proceeded in the oppo- 
site direction, and, at length, came upon the 
opening. With great caution I crept closer. As 
near as I could judge it was heavily guarded. 
The tent was just at the other end of it. I pro- 
ceeded to make another detour in order to 
approach the tent from the rear, and I was suc- 
cessful. At last I sat beside it and listened. I 
could hear no sound. With great caution I 
moved around to the door. Two men were on 
guard there. Evidently I had no chance there, 
so I went back to where I had been at first. I 
drew my long sword, and placed it on the 
ground beside me, and took off the cloak so as 
to be disencumbered. Drawing a sharp dagger, 
I proceeded to cut an opening in the tent. The 
noise seemed to disturb no one, and it was soon 
large enough to enter. I had just managed to 
crawl in, drawing my long sword after me, when 
I was startled to hear the sound of footsteps 
within the tent. 

Suddenly the tent was filled with light. For 
a moment I was dazzled by it. Then I saw that 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


223 


it was filled with armed men, and behind them 
— with a sneer of triumph upon his face, stood 
my black-bearded brother. For a moment I was 
so surprised that I only stood and looked. 
Then they sprang upon me. I heard my broth- 
er’s cry, “ Take him alive.” There was no time 
to lose. I made a sweep with my sword, and 
turning quickly, ere its force was spent, I cut a 
huge rent in the tent, through which I sprang. 
As I leaped out I cast a hurried glance around. 
Useless, everywhere a v/all of armed men, and 
torches, too, seemingly from everywhere. I 
heard the men pouring through the rent 
after me. I tried to think. Ah ! A thought. 
The mind acts quickly in times of danger. I 
remembered my brother had stood behind the 
rest, quite near the door of the tent. I might 
catch him yet. It was a desperate chance, but 
it might be done. I dashed around the tent 
toward the door. He was just coming out. I 
sprang upon him, but the guards were between 
us ere I could reach him. Foiled again. I had 
no time to push them aside, for the others were 
at my heels. 

Again I threw my eyes quickly around. The 
torches threw sufficient light to see by for quite 
a little distance. Right in front of us was the 


224 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


hillock through which the opening had been cut. 
Its side near us rose quite precipitously. I 
would fight with my back against it. It takes 
longer to tell of it than it took to be done. A 
quick glance, a spring, and I was there, and as 
a pack of yelping dogs close around their 
quarry, so they closed around me. Well, I 
would die fighting. It was a grand fight. I 
have fought many fights, but never one like 
that. Round and round I swept my great 
sword in the grim torchlight, and ever and again 
they closed up the gap it made, till at last I 
began to feel it would not last much longer. 
Already a heap of slain lay around me, and 
they had thrown lighted brands at me, and the 
heat scorched and burnt my limbs. Still I 
fought on, still I kept them back. Then I heard 
my brother’s voice. It was urging them to 
take me alive. I tried to single him out, but it 
was hard work, trying to look around while the 
air around me seemed filled with death-dealing 
swords. 

At last I found him. He was standing upon 
a boulder or huge rock, just beyond the men 
who surrounded me, so that he might watch the 
struggle. I myself stood a little higher than 
the others, and this, with my great height, let 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


225 


me look over their heads. Yes, I could see 
him clearly now. I wondered if I could do it. 
Well, my strength was going fast, I couldn’t 
last very much longer, I might as well try. I 
had often struck a boar so, but it was necessary 
to have a little more room. Gritting my teeth 
till the eyes seemed to swell, I dashed forward. 
So fierce was the onslaught, that the men before 
me gave way for an instant, but it was enough. 
Gripping the sword handle tightly with both 
hands, I swung it with all my strength around 
my head, and let it fly, point on, straight at 
him. I did not have time to see whether it 
struck or not, for scarce had it left my hands 
ere they flung themselves upon me and pinned 
me to the ground. Then I heard a howl of 
rage, and a half dozen leaped at me with drawn 
swords, but above their mad shouts rang out 
my brother’s voice. “ Stop, spare his life.” I 
shuddered as I heard. Their uplifted swords 
did not fall perhaps because they guessed his 
purpose. The voice was filled with such hate. 
Such a death would have been too merciful to 
have suited him. Bring him here,” he cried. 
They opened and dragged me forward. I 
started. He lay upon the ground, supported 
by several of his men. He had been caught 

15 


226 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


completely by surprise, and the great sword 
had struck him right in the middle, till the point 
came through behind. He lay upon one side, 
the sword still in his body. The handle rested 
upon the ground. I was ready to die now. I 
even felt joyful, I had done my work. Hosyra 
was saved. 

He lay there, his men supporting his head. 
Behind him, his knights, and around a circle 
of armed, revengeful looking men. I stood 
within the circle, with my captors holding me. 
The smoking torches threw a fiery glare over 
the whole, while the wind blew the smoke 
around us. His eyes were fixed upon me. 
Already a small stream of blood was beginning 
to flow from the wound. His anger was some- 
thing awful to behold. 

“ So,” he said, between his teeth, “ you have 
done for me, have you ? Well, if you were not 
such a great fool I should respect you for it. 
Do you know why you have done all this,” he 
said, sneeringly ; “do you know why? Why 
you have made such a fight as might have won 
you a kingdom, and done it all for nothing ? 
Because, you poor deluded imbecile, because 
you love a woman, who, idiot that you are, cares 
no more for you than she does for her dog.” 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


227 


I felt my fingers twitch, and my fists clench. 
It was true. I knew it was true, yes, even 
while he spoke, I knew it was true, and yet it 
stung me. But with a great effort I kept a 
stolid face and said nothing. We looked at 
each other. I saw he was growing weaker, but 
he himself did not notice it. He only saw his 
revenge before him, and his eyes grew more 
glittering, and his voice more contemptuous, 
more sneering. 

“Ha,” he cried, “doesn’t that touch you? 
Doesn’t it make your fawning spirit smart ? By 
the gods, I believe you knew it! Well,” he 
went on, “ see if this touches you ? Do you 
know why your well-laid plan to murder me 
failed ? Why I was ready for you ? Why you 
are in my power, and are presently going to 
die ? Because, you accursed fool, because the 
woman you love, for whom you fought and 
wished to die — because this woman, for whom 
you have bartered away your honor, and given 
your love to be made a sport of — because — 
Ha ! Ha I Because she betrayed you.” The 
last words were fairly snapped out. I started. 
I felt as if some one had struck me a mortal 
blow. My very nature cried out against it. 

“You lie,” I cried, “you lie. It is a cow- 


228 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


ardly lie, with which you hope to make me 
suffer, but your shaft has overshot the mark.’ 
He looked at me. His face lit up, his eyes 
fairly dancing with the enjoyment of his 
triumph. 

“A lie,” he cried; “wait, you shall see.” 
He motioned to an officer, and they led a man 
before me. I started. “ Do you know him ?” 
cried my brother, gleefully. It was one of the 
Queen’s officers. I had seen him but last even- 
ing in the palace. A cold chill came over me 
that filled me with dread, with an awful fear. 
“Read him your message,” commanded my 
brother. The man opened a scroll, and a soldier 
lighted him with a torch. I looked at the man’s 
face, it was an honest one. I heard him read. 
“ From Hosyra, the Queen, to Gregar, Prince 
of Gravas. Though you have waged war against 
us, and have offended us in many ways — yet, 
even as a father deals gently with his children, 
and overlooks their wrongdoing, so we have 
not given up hope of winning you back. And 
that you may know we speak truly, know then, 
that Almar, your younger brother, whom we 
had purposed giving over to you in the morn- 
ing, has left the capital by stealth, bent on 
taking your life, even while you sleep. There- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


229 


fore, we urge you to take measures for your 
safety, and to deal gently with him, because of 
your kinship. Hosyra.’' 

I listened as in a dream. It was true. I 
remembered the look that had come over her 
face when I last saw her. It puzzled me then. 
I remembered the satisfaction, the determina- 
tion in it, and I understood its meaning now. 
She had made up her mind to betray me. A 
great feeling of resentment began to come over 
me. I could have borne her indifference, her 
shameful neglect, but this, never ! This was 
the worst ingratitude. I tugged at the hands 
that held me, while a cold sweat broke over my 
forehead. My brother watched my face keenly, 
he was having his revenge now, he lost not a 
single shade of expression that passed over my 
face. “ Ha !” he cried, “ have I touched you 
at last ? Do you know what kind of a woman 
you have been fighting for?” 

“The letter,” I said wildly, “it is a forgery, 
a trick.” 

He nodded to the man. The latter brought 
the letter quite close to my face, and they thrust 
a torch forward so that I might see. Yes, by 
all that was holy, it was her writing. I knew 
it. The sight of it brushed away the last doubt. 


230 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Again the sound of my brother’s laughter jarred 
upon me. 

“ Ah, you recognize her writing, and she com- 
mends you to my gentle mercy. Ha ! ha ! ha ! you 
shall have it. Bring the wood near — if he leaves 
us in the night, he should have a light to see 
by.” Some men began to approach, dragging 
things after them. They were logs of wood. I 
felt my flesh begin to creep. I divined his pur- 
pose. He was going to burn me alive. They 
began to pile it up in front of him. Suddenly, 
there came over me a fierce, wild desire to live. 
I wanted my vengeance. Vengeance on the 
treacherous Queen — vengeance on the cowards 
who had been ready to sacrifice me — vengeance 
on all my enemies, great and small. I began 
to count my chances. While they w^ere piling 
the wood before him I watched his face. He 
was momentarily growing weaker, but would 
he last long enough to have me burnt ? The 
eyes were beginning to have a queer look, but 
they were still lit by the cruel light of hate. 
The blood had formed quite a little pool near 
him, and he was watching the men with a deter- 
mined, exultant look. At last it suited his 
fancy. A few more logs were tossed on. 

“ Take those off,” he cried. The men looked 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


231 


at him in surprise. He had to summon his 
strength to speak again. “ It will burn too 
quickly/' he said, in a weak voice. They obeyed. 
Then his eyes sought me again, and the look of 
a demon came into them, a demon of hate and 
cruelty. He turned to the men near us, but he 
had to exert himself to speak. “Tie him,” he 
said, “and throw him on.” 

I could stand it no longer. With a mighty 
effort, I suddenly wrenched myself free from 
the men who held me. “ Stop !” I roared back, 
“listen tome. In a few moments that man 
will be dead, and I shall be Prince of Gravas. 
I can reward you, the dead man can’t ; if you 
kill me, you have to answer to the Queen.” 
My excited words surprised them, and they 
stood still. Gregar saw it, saw his prey 
escaping him, even at the last, and he grew so 
angry that his strength came back. He raised 
himself to his knees, and supported by the men 
who had been holding him, he faced us with a 
storm of rage. 

“Ye dogs, to the pile with him. To the 
pile with him, I say, and if ye hesitate but the 
least, you shall burn with him.” They sprang 
upon me. I fought like a fiend, but they 
dragged me upon it, ‘‘Tie him,” he cried. 


232 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


“tie him. Ha! ha! He thought to outwit 
me, but I shall have my revenge at last, and if 
it hadn’t been for that cursed stroke, I would 
have had his Queen, too. Aye,” he cried, and 
in his intense excitement, he tried to rise to his 
feet, but the effort was too much. The blood 
gushed from the wound, which had been forced 
open by the weight of the sword. He sank 
back upon his knees, and his eyes glared 
fiercely. “Curse her,” he cried, “curse her, 

and curse him, and curse ” and suddenly 

he stopped, his eyes glared wildly around, and 
he gasped for breath. He made another effort 
to rise, his body halted for the moment, and 
then with a groan he sank back, supported by 
his men. One of them drew the sword out, 
and they laid his body down. So vehement had 
been his outbreak, that even the men binding 
me had stopped, and gazed at him in awe. As 
I saw him fall back, I realized my last chance 
had come. Ere those around me had recovered 
from their surprise, I struggled to my feet. 

Standing upon the pile of wood so that they 
could all see me clearly, I cried loudly ; “ Hold, 
I am the Prince of Gravas. If ye refuse to obey 
me, you shall die for it. He is dead and can 
help you no longer, while I can punish.” I 



Standmg upo7i the pile of wood, I cried loudly: ''Hold, I am the 
Prmce of Gravas !" — Page 232. 



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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


233 


paused, and stood there with the rope still 
around me, watching the effect of my words. 
It was (a nasty position to be in. I was alone 
there among them all, and they were my ene- 
mies. It was only the sudden death of their 
leader, and my excited words, that held them 
for the moment inactive. If the spell broke, I 
knew they would turn upon me in their rage, 
and burn me. I dared not stop speaking. 
Already I could see signs of awakening. 

“ Listen to me," I cried ; “ the Queen and 
Alcazeda are plotting to kill you all. In the 
morning you will find they have united, and 
where will you be then ? Do you think they 
will forget the past.^ Who will lead you? 
Who can lead you like I can ? Did you not 
hear the Prince say that the Queen had betrayed 
me? I want my revenge, as well as you. I 
know all their plans. If you stand by me, we 
can ride over and seize Alcazeda before he 
enters the city. If you do not, you will find 
their combined armies turned against you in the 
morning, and you will be doomed. You have 
been faithful to my brother. I honor you for 
it. Be as faithful to me, and forget the past." 
I could see that my words were taking effect. 
They hesitated, I knew I had won. “ Summon 


234 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


your leaders,” I said ; “let them speak with 
me, and I will soon prove to them I speak the 
truth.” Then I turned to the men near me. 
“Undo me,” I ordered, in a quick, decided tone. 
They hesitated for a moment, but used to being 
commanded, my resolute manner appealed to 
their force of habit, and they obeyed. Free, I 
turned to the men around. They still stood by 
passively, somewhat dazed by the rapid and 
strange course things had taken. They were 
not quite wholly mine yet. I must win them 
completely. 

“Now,” I cried, “remember you are my 
soldiers, and I am your leader. I shall reward 
or punish you as you obey or disobey me. Go 
and summon your chiefs, for we must strike at 
Alcazeda before the night is over, if we wish to 
save ourselves. The rest go to my tent.” 
Seeing each man seemed unwilling to make the 
first move, I turned to one who stood near me, 
a chief of some kind, and pointed to my tent. 
He began to move toward it. Another followed, 
and the struggle was over. I had won. As I 
realized it, my heart began to beat with great 
thumps, and I took in a deep breath. I tried 
to control myself, and hide it as I walked toward 
the tent. The men had halted at the door. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


235 


“ Let the nobles and chiefs enter/’ I cried, “ and 
the others remain without.” Here the storm, 
which in our excitement had remained unnoticed, 
broke. There was a terrific clap of thunder, 
and the rain began to pour down in torrents. 
The few chiefs who were present were glad to 
seek shelter within the tent. I turned to one 
of them whom I recognized. 

“ What chiefs are there in the camp who 
are not here?” He mentioned a number of 
names. “ Let men be sent to summon them,” 
I said. He went without and gave the order. 
We could hear the rain pouring down in great 
torrents. We could hear it beating against the 
tent, and every now and then a gust of wind 
would come and almost threaten to bring the 
tent down upon us. I realized I might have 
another struggle when they came, but I didn’t 
care very much now, for I had managed to get 
hold of the helm of the ship, and felt confident 
I could guide her safely, even though she did 
roll. 

At last they began to arrive, first one and 
then another. As they entered, I did not speak, 
but merely motioned them to be seated. At 
last they were all there. Then I arose. The 
dripping rain and the silent and enforced wait- 


236 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


ing had disposed them to listen, and I felt things 
were favorable. With that masterful and con- 
vincing way that the war and past events had 
given me, I addressed them. In brief, clear 
sentences I laid before them the Queen’s 
intrigue with Alcazeda — also our common 
cause. I think the fact that some of them had 
heard their dead master declare that the Queen 
had vilely betrayed me, did more than anything 
else to induce them to act with me. My 
desire for vengeance was a thing they could 
understand. They could also understand that 
their estates, if not their heads also, were in 
danger. Hence it was to our mutual interest 
to work together. I outlined my plans. Accom- 
panied by them we should ride over to Alca- 
zeda’ s, surprise him, and, getting his person in 
our power, frustrate the Queen’s plans. The 
only question was, would our arrival be in time ? 
Having gotten thus far, I had them send for 
their horses, and a few trusty mounted follow- 
ers. When the latter had arrived, we num- 
bered nearly sixty, all told. Then we started. 

The rain was beginning to abate, but the 
ground was wet and made traveling unpleasant. 
We should have to ride completely around the 
city to reach the camp where Alcazeda com- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


237 


manded in person, passing on the way two more 
of my brother’s camps, and one of his late 
allies. Gradually we approached the first one 
of my brother’s. We had sent a rider ahead 
to have the chiefs already assembled upon our 
arrival. The same arguments prevailed, and 
they fell into line, and accompanied us. The same 
results followed our arrival at the second camp. 
Then we set out for Alcazeda’s camp. We 
numbered over one hundred now. The rain 
had ceased, and just as we started the moon 
began to break through the clouds. This made 
traveling easier, although the horses had to 
walk and splash through the mud. The wind 
was driving the clouds fast across the heavens, 
as it often does after a storm. 

Still we pressed on. At last we approached 
the first of his camps. We could see the hill in 
the moonlight, while yet a little way off. I fell 
to wondering what course I should pursue now. 
Ah ! I had it. I should ride around the base of 
the hill, and so avoid being discovered, while 
sending a messenger up to state that we were 
simply a body that had been sent from our camp 
to carry news to the Prince. This promised 
well. As we rode near the hill, I reined in my 
horse somewhat, so that I rode more in the 


238 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


body of the troop, thus avoiding possible dis- 
covery. Still we were not challenged, neither 
in the clear moonlight could I detect a sign of 
the camp. 

I halted my horse, and the others did like- 
wise. Turning to one of the men near me, I 
bade him ride forward, and see if they were 
still there. He saluted and dashed away. We 
sat there, waiting silently for his return. Some 
of the horses hung their heads wearily, while 
others pawed the ground impatiently. Now 
and then one would neigh. Ah, now w^e could 
see him again. He was riding down the hill. 
He drew up before us with a splash. 

“The hill is empty,” he cried; “they are 
gone — gone ! ” 

My suspicions, were they about to be real- 
ized ; were we too late ? I sat there a moment 
thinking ; then I gave my horse rein. “ For- 
ward,” I cried, “it is our last chance.” On we 
went, splashing, at a gallop. No time to tarry 
now. A few moments might win or lose the 
game. On — the riding is better now, and the 
horses go with less effort. Still on, all silent, 
but thinking hard. Only a few clouds are to 
be seen, and the stars have come out brightly. 
Now we are approaching the second camp. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


239 


where Alcazeda himself is, that is, if he is still 
there. Forward now at our best pace. Ah, 
the hill can be seen now. In a few moments 
we are at the bottom of it, and are mount- 
ing toward its crest. Are we in time? Yes ! 
yes ! they are there ; but what does that mean ? 
Those are dense bodies of troops we see, drawn 
up in rank and file. Never mind, up at them. 
We draw up right before them. 

Where is Prince Alcazeda? 

‘‘ In the centre/' 

“ Forward." 

Away we dash. The lines of men along 
his front are dense. He must have his whole 
force here. Still on, I think there is yet time. 
Peer ahead — can you see him ? No — ah, yes ; 
what is that dark body right ahead of us ? — see, 
it is moving — It must be he and his mounted 
chiefs. Our horses are panting now, and their 
sides are white with foam. What of it — give 
them the spurs. Ah ! they see us and halt. 
Now we are quite close. I can see them. There 
is Alcazeda — there on that white horse. 

I whisper to my men to draw up before we 
reach him, so as not to excite their alarm. 
They do so with the stamping of hoofs, while I 
ride forward alone. The moon is at my back, 


240 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


SO that he cannot see my face, even while it 
throws its light upon his. Now I am at his 
bridle. I seize it. As I do so, he recognizes 
me. He had expected I was dead ere this, and 
before he recovered from his surprise my one 
hand rested upon his shoulder and the other held 
a dagger at his breast. We looked into each 
other’s eyes long and steadily. 

A couple of my chiefs, seeing I was being 
surrounded, had placed themselves close behind 
me and were protecting my back. The three 
of us were alone, surrounded by all his men, 
but the latter dared not make a move, for my 
dagger was touching their leader’s breast, and 
still Alcazeda looked at me and I at him. With 
success so near he could not bring himself to 
believe he was failing at the last moment. And 
yet the dagger was there. At last he found 
his tongue. 

“ The Prince of Gravas ? ” he asked. 

“Is here,” I answered. 

“ I mean your brother? ” 

“ Dead,” I replied. 

Here he caught sight of one of the chiefs 
behind me, one of my brother’s warm adher- 
ents. I could see his expression of wonder as 
he looked first at the man and then at me. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


241 


“Is mine now,” I said in answer to his 
unspoken question, “ together with the whole 
army.” This staggered him. He was silent. 
He could scarcely understand it. The fierce, 
wily, ambitious Gregar dead, and himself with 
my dagger at his breast. 

“ What do you want me to do ? ” he asked. 

“ Order your troops to resume their camps, 
and come with me and your knights to my camp.” 

Again he was silent. Utter and absolute 
defeat, after a lifetime’s work. His jaws locked 
till I heard the teeth grit. He looked at the 
horsemen around him, his own, ready to close 
in and rescue him at a glance, and then he 
looked at my stern, unyielding face, and the 
dagger. My grip upon his shoulder tightened, 
I was growing impatient. 

“I yield,” he said slowly, while his eyes 
glared like those of a wild beast at bay. 

“ Order them to open,” I said. He obeyed, 
and we rode out of the circle of his men. As 
we emerged from it our men caught sight of us, 
and waving their swords aloft, broke into cheers. 
His own men sat still, uncertain and ignorant 
of the true situation. What surprised him most, 
and I think finished him utterly, was the spec- 
tacle of his late allies troops cheering for me. 

16 


242 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


You see, when we started out, they had 
been rather lukewarm to say the least, and it 
had only been our common cause that brought 
them. The long, exciting ride, however, had 
thoroughly awakened the instincts of the hunter 
within them, and the very uncertainty of the 
chase, with its final success, had done the rest. 
They were mine now. At my bidding, he gave 
the command to the troops to return to their 
old quarters, and then, in the body of my chiefs, 
his own following after, we rode away toward 
our camp. 

The dawn was just peeping from the east 
as we reached it. It was a long ride, for the 
excitement of the other ride was lacking. The 
horses walked with a weary step. The riders, 
too, Vv^ere a little fatigued, but the feeling of 
satisfaction only tended to make that fatigue 
feel something like a comfort, as they jogged 
on in silence. 

Gradually the light of the moon began to 
lose its brilliancy, and the stars in the far east 
became indistinct as the grey light of dawn 
began to diffuse itself. Then it became brighter, 
until the moon could no longer cast a shadow, 
and day was here. Just as the first rays of 
sunlight broke over the hills, we dismounted. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


243 


All the way I had been thinking, thinking of the 
future, and what it held for me. It seemed like 
an empty shell in which the kernel had rotted 
to dust. I was now master, master of the 
kingdom. Alcazeda and his fate lay in the 
hollow of my hand. I had but to proclaim my 
triumph with a promise of mercy within the 
city, and the gates would swing open for my 
entry. No man might stand against me. But 
what had I with it all ? A sense of loneliness, 
of bitter loneliness — a mocking kind of loneli- 
ness, the shell, with its kernel rotted to dust. 
No one cared for me. 

Izeil had loved me — but Izeil was dead. 
Lord Altoraz had loved me — he, too, was dead. 
Lord Zelad — I could not forget that his affection 
had waned in the hour of my dread adversity. 
He could not love a man whom the gods had 
seemed to curse. Hosyra ! Did she love me ? 
Had she ever loved me? I began to doubt 
it. And yet — well, one thing remained certain. 
She had betrayed me most foully. I could 
find no excuse even to myself for such a 
guilty creature. When I was going out to die, 
and she knew it, she had betrayed me. 
Betrayed me, that her vile plot with Alcazeda 
might run no chance of failure. 


244 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


But it had failed. The very wickedness of 
it had caused its failure. The gods would not 
permit her to succeed. They had placed ven- 
geance within my hands. They had appointed 
me to punish her. The spirit of a righteous 
vengeance filled me. I remembered what the 
dead Gregar had said, “This woman, to whom 
you gave your love to let it be made a sport 
of, has betrayed you.” Should I show her 
mercy ? No, the spirit of the dead Izeil forbade 
it. My heart hardened towards her. She must 
suffer, even as she had made others suffer. As 
we still rode onward, I began to think out the 
way her punishment could fall upon her. 

Presently we arrived at our camp, and, as I 
have said, the sun was just rising. I sprang 
from my horse ; Alcazeda did likewise. I gave 
a few orders to some of the men, and we 
entered the tent. As he entered, I noticed he 
wore the royal signet upon his right hand. By 
the gods, she had sent him that, too ! I snatched 
his wrist and looked at it. He made an effort 
as if he would resist, but I gave his arm such a 
wrench that he uttered a cry of pain. I drew 
it off and released him. He said nothing, but 
there was a scowl upon his face and a look 
that warned me to be careful of him. I walked 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


245 


to the door of the tent and beckoned the chiefs 
to enter. 

When they had all entered I addressed 
them. I told them I knew the condition of the 
city, and I felt sure that it would surrender ere 
nightfall. I would write to the Queen imme- 
diately, and demand an answer by sunset. 
Meanwhile, let them return to their troops, 
announce the change of leaders, and prepare 
the men for my inspection, which would take 
place during the morning. 

After they had gone, I summoned Gregar’s 
late body guard, and attached them to my 
person by promise of largess and money. I 
appointed a new leader in the place of the one 
who had fallen in the struggle with me early in 
the night. I dismissed them also. As for Alca- 
zeda, he was confined to my tent, two men 
being specially appointed to see that he did not 
leave, nor communicate with any one. Then 
I prepared to write my letter to the Queen. 

“ To Hosyra. Queen,” it ran. “ How can 
I thank you. But for your warning the attempt 
would have been successful. As it is, my 
brother is dead, slain by my own hand. He 
will trouble us no more. Alcazeda is a prisoner 
in my tent. If he makes a move I will slay 


246 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


him. Now, all that remains is to bring back 
peace. I know positively that the city must 
fall in a day or two. Consent to yield ere the 
necessity forces you. Otherwise, I demand a 
final answer ere nightfall. You know I once 
sought your hand in marriage. I know you do 
not care for me, but I hold a kingdom in my 
hand. Still I am wroth, very wroth, at your 
intrigue, and therefore I demand some abso- 
lute proof of your sincerity. And this is the 
test I have chosen. When the night has fallen 
I will pitch my tent near the city gates. Then 
come, and come alone. If you attempt to sur- 
prise or seize me, I sack and burn the town till 
not one house remains standing. 

‘'The Prince of Gravas.’' 

Again and again I read the letter. She would 
surely think it came from my brother. I read 
it again. Yes, she could not think otherwise. 
She would fall into the trap I had spread for 
her, and then my revenge. I called for a mes- 
senger. I chose a young officer in my guard. 
I charged him with secrecy concerning the 
events that had transpired during the night, 
and directed him to ride to the city gates, 
deliver my message, and return, saying 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


247 


nothing. Then I sent him off. By this time 
we were ready for breakfast. 

The morning I spent in passing through the 
various camps, and inspecting the troops. Of 
course I did not go near Alcazeda’s camps. I 
sent them, however, the strictest orders to 
remain in their old camps, and patrolled the 
ground between them and the city with my 
horsemen, so that no news could reach the 
Queen. Alcazeda’s chiefs I detained in my 
camp, while I compelled him to accompany me. 
I was determined to give the old fox no chance 
to slip away from me. 

The afternoon wore away, and the evening 
began to come. Just as the sun was setting, a 
horseman was seen riding from the city gates 
toward my camp. He was the royal messenger 
— the Queen would come. I gave orders to 
have my tent pitched in the plain, half-way to 
the city gate. Behind it I posted heavy bodies 
of horsemen. Then I went to the tent. I 
remembered the time she had made me come to 
her tent, and the humiliation she had made me 
suffer, and I resolved to make her suffer the 
same. There were two couches in the tent 
near the door, somewhat facing each other and 
the door as well. They were covered with the 


248 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


skins of wild beasts. There was no light in 
the tent save where the moon, peeping over 
the housetops of the city, threw its soft, mellow 
light through the open door upon both couches. 
I stood at the tent door and waited. 

By and by her party could be seen leav- 
ing the city. After they had proceeded a way, 
they stopped, and I could discern a solitary 
figure leave them. It was the Queen. She 
rode a great white horse. I ordered one of my 
guard to receive her horse, and retire with 
the rest beyond earshot. Then I re-entered 
the tent and drew my cloak, or that which had 
been my brother’s, over my head. I did not 
wish her to recognize me for a while. I had a 
game to play first. 

I was so seated that, while I partially faced 
the door, my back was almost turned to the 
other couch. Then I heard the sound of her 
horse’s hoofs. I heard the guard lead him 
away, and then she appeared in the doorway. 
I sat still and pointed to the other couch. I 
feared to rise, lest my height should betray me. 
The cloak hid my face. She did not move 
toward the couch ; but remained standing in 
the doorway, as if angered and insulted at my 
rudeness, but she said nothing. Then after a 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


249 


pause she moved haughtily toward the couch 
and sat down. Still I said nothing. I could 
not, for my voice would have betrayed me. 
For a long while we both sat silent, till at last 
she spoke. Not knowing why I kept silence, 
and knowing my brother’s revengeful nature, 
she attributed what she thought to be his action 
to a desire to humble her utterly, and force her 
to kneel before him. Though she had been 
schooling herself for it, it was a bitter struggle, 
and when she spoke her voice was low and 
humble. 

“You have sent for me. Prince, and I am 
here.’' 

Still I spoke not. After a pause, thinking 
her captor was not yet appeased, she went on. 
“ Much was I angered. Prince, that you should 
have taken arms against me, yet I have for- 
gotten the past, and come to you a supplicant 
to bring peace back to my kingdom. Will you 
not offer me the hand of welcome?” Her voice 
had gradually become soft and plaintive. 

It was hard to sit there and remain silent ; 
but I said to myself, “It is not to you, but to 
another that she pleads. Let your heart grow 
hard.” I kept silence and would not uncover. 
Then at length she rose and came toward me, 


250 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


and standing there in the moonlight by my 
side, she placed one hand upon my shoulder. 

“ Must I plead much longer?” she asked, 
while there was a quiver in her voice. How 
my heart softened as I listened to her, and how 
I longed to hold her in my arms once again, 
but something held me back. “ See,” she said, 
“you are angry with me, that I — that I pre- 
ferred your brother. It was only a girlish pas- 
sion. He dazzled me with his strength and 
bravery, but if I hadn’t wearied of him do you 
think I would have betrayed him to you ?” Ye 
gods ! With her own lips the woman confessed 
it. “See, Prince,” she went on, her voice 
growing tender and caressing, “ forget the past. 
You shall have all my woman’s love.” I felt 
her arms steal round my neck. “ Henceforth,” 
she went on, “ I swear I shall know no other lord 
but you — will you not accept me? Gregar — ” 
and she gently raised my hood. 

As she did so I turned, and we looked at 
each other in the moonlight. As she saw my 
face she gave a shriek of terror, while she 
shrank away from me. Her eyes still remained 
fixed upon my face, while her own blanched 
face had such a look of terror upon it as I had 
never yet seen. But I was in no mood to be 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


251 


merciful or to have pity upon her. Her words 
still rang in my ears, till they seemed to burn. 
I rose to my feet and faced her. She staggered 
a moment and sank upon her knees, still hold- 
ing on to my cloak. I drew the ring from my 
finger and held it toward her. 

“ Do you recognize it, O Queen?” I asked. 

She did not answer. I scarcely think she 
knew what I was saying ; but her glance, fol- 
lowing my motion, fell upon the ring, and then 
returned to my face. 

“Now harken unto me,” I said, in a cold, 
hard voice ; “ once you gave it to me, saying, 

‘ When my throne stands again as upon a rock, 
return it to me.’ Lo ! the time is here, I return 
it,” and I cast it upon the ground before her, 
and flinging a look of contempt at her I walked 
away. As I was about to pass through the 
door of the tent I turned and looked back. 
The moonlight fell upon her as she knelt there 
upon the ground, reaching for me with out- 
stretched arms, a look half of terror, half of 
pleading, in her eyes. Then she gave an awful 
cry of pain, a cry that was almost a shriek, and 
fell forward upon her face on the ground. And 
I — I for the moment felt something that seemed 
like satisfaction, for I was avenged. 


252 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


Leaving the tent, I called to the man who 
had taken her horse. He came. “Ride toward 
her party,” I cried, “and bring her maid, and if 
Lord Zelad be there, bid him come also. Ride 
hard.” He sprang into the saddle and was off. 
It was not far, and in a few moments I saw the 
others coming toward us. They rode up to the 
door and dismounted. Lord Zelad was one of 
them. Feeling something had happened to the 
Queen, he had not paid much attention to me, 
and did not recognize me until he was a few 
steps away. Then a look of wonder came into 
his face, too. I pointed to the tent. 

“The Queen is there,” I said, “ look to her.” 

They entered the tent and I walked away. 
Rejoining my chiefs I ordered the troops back 
to their old position on the hill, and ere long 
the camp was wrapped in slumber, all save 
the watchful sentries, who paced up and down 
at their posts, and I, who sat far into the long 
night with my thoughts. At dawn I was aroused 
by one of my men, who informed me that a 
messenger had arrived from the capital. I arose, 
and bade the man conduct him hither. It was 
Lord Zelad. He had a serious look upon his 
face. I looked at him in silence. “ Well ?” I 
asked. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


253 


“The Queen surrenders the capital into 
your hands/’ he said. My lip curled slightly. 
The news was of small moment to me. He 
saw it. “ Almar,” he said, “spare her.” 

“Spare her?” I cried, in an angry voice, 
“spare her? Did she spare me ? ” He made 
a deprecating gesture. 

“ I know she sinned, Almar, sinned gravely, 
but she has suffered.” 

“Suffered,” I cried, “suffered! Do you 
talk of suffering to me ? — to a man whose love 
has been made a jest and a sport of — whose 
honor has been smirched ? To me, whose faith 
in her has been reviled and betrayed ? To 
me — ” I stopped — words failed me, and he 
talked of suffering to me ! I walked up and 
down the tent with angry strides. At last I 
controlled myself sufficiently to speak. “Well,” 
I asked, “ is there anything else ? ” 

“Yes, Almar,” he answered, “the Queen 
prays you will ride into the city, that men may 
know the war is over. I will meet you at the 
city gates.” 

I thought a moment. It would have to be 
done sometime ; it might as well be done now. 
I nodded assent to him. I felt him watching 
me for a moment— then he expressed his inten- 


254 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


tion of leaving. I followed him to the door of 
the tent, and watched him ride away. Then I 
went back and threw myself upon a couch. I 
began to wonder what I would do in the 
future. The war would be over in a day or 
two, and what should I do then ? Go back to 
my brother’s, or, rather to my castle, and live 
there, and hunt the boar, and eat and drink? 

And what would the Queen do ? Probably 
marry Alcazeda and rule over the land with 
him. They would be a nice pair, I thought, 
and somehow it pleased me to think of her 
as his wife. I despised him, and he would 
be about the kind of husband she deserved, and 
perhaps they would grow jealous of my great 
domains, for with my brother’s lands, and 
my own Duchy, I was now the greatest lord in 
the land. They might try to clip my wings — well, 
let them, I said to myself, let them. I shall 
burn and ravage the land until they get tired of 
it. This reflection, too, gave me a kind of 
satisfaction. At length the man approached 
with breakfast, and Alcazeda and I ate 
together. 

As the morning wore on, we made prepara- 
tions to ride into the city. I would take only 
the chiefs and a few mounted followers. Soon 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


255 


we were making our way toward the gates. 
As we approached them, they swung open, and 
the troops upon the battlements cheered. 
Lord Zelad rode forth and drew alongside of 
me. Alcazeda rode on my other side, and the 
chiefs behind us. The rich and gay coloring of 
banners made a lively appearance, and so we 
rode into the city. Unknown to me. Lord 
Zelad had caused it to be proclaimed that the 
Duke had secretly left the city, slain his brother, 
seized command of both armies, and the war 
was over. 

By the time we entered, the population were 
in the street. The streets were filled with them. 
They looked from the windows, from the house- 
tops, from the treetops, and all faces were happy 
and joyous. The terrors of war were passed. 
The women threw flowers across our path ; the 
men waved their hats and cheered ; the soldiers 
saluted, and there was only one sound in the 
air, “ The Duke ! The Duke ! Long live the 
Duke ! ” As I listened to it, I thought of how 
they had shouted at me two days before, when 
they had clamored for my life. I found no 
pleasure in their plaudits ; I knew they were as 
changeable and inconstant as the breeze. I 
was only wondering what the Queen would say 


256 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


when I reached the palace. Would she see 
me, or would she retire to her chamber, and 
keep out of sight ? I found myself wondering 
if she had hurt herself when, she fell upon her 
face the night before, until, angry with myself 
that she should so occupy my mind, I turned 
and looked at the people. They were still 
cheering. “ The Duke ! Long live the Duke ! 
and waving their hats, and all seemed to wear 
purple, and the dark blue of my house. 

At last the crowds grew denser. We were 
approaching the palace. Now we were in the 
street leading to it. Its towers and its gates 
were before us. What were those shouts ? 
“The Queen! The Queen! Long live the 
Queen ! ” Why was every one’s face turned 
upward ? I looked and gave a start. There 
upon the balcony stood the Queen and her 
maidens. “ Long live the Queen ! Long live 
the Duke.” A curse on those shouts. 
Without looking up I drew my sword and 
saluted. In spite of myself, my heart beat more 
quickly. 

Now we were riding between the lines 
of guards, reined on either side of the gate, 
right up to the palace door. They saluted 
as I passed by them. Now we were dismount- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 257 

ing and making our way to the great audi- 
ence chamber. On either side of the portals 
were the Royal Guard. We moved down the 
centre, that is, Alcazeda and I, followed by our 
chiefs, toward the other end where the throne 
stood under the great purple and gold dais. 
We took our places near it, I and the men of 
Gravas upon one side, Alcazeda and his lords 
on the other. After the nobles had entered, 
the townsmen poured in and filled the halls. 
Then came the nobles who had fought under 
the Queen in the struggle. They grouped 
themselves on both sides, of the hall, and it 
was filled. My mind ran back to that other 
meeting, when my brother had begun to 
defy the Queen, and I had been her champion. 
How beautiful she had looked that day, stand- 
ing there upon the throne and asserting her 
Queenship. 

Ah, there is a stir ! See ! lines of guards 
are entering near the throne; shouts as the 
people see them, and then a hush spreading 
over all. Behind them come the priests, then 
officers of the palace, and then women, her 
maidens and lastly — Hosyra. With a stately 
step she ascends the throne — every neck 
craned forward to catch sight of her. There is 

17 


258 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


a slight murmur of applause, which dies quickly 
away. She is speaking. I listen. 

She tells them that the war is over, that peace 
has come back, that the past has been forgiven 
and forgotten. The people cheer. Then she 
says that though she will punish none, some 
must be rewarded. For a moment she hesi- 
tates, as if uncertain how to proceed, but she 
nerves herself and continues. My brother’s 
death, she says, has left his possessions without 
a master. I am next of kin — in consideration 
of my services — she will bestow them upon me. 
The people break into cheers of applause. 
They come, and I am led before her. I stand 
before the throne. I promise to be loyal and 
true — there is a decided tremor in her voice as 
she asks me if I will be. I kneel down, that 
she may confer the title upon me. As she 
stands in front of me, I look up into her face. 
It is white, bloodless, as if carved of marble. 
But that there is just the slightest quiver about 
the lip, the face is passionless. However, if it 
is silent, the eyes speak. Despite her effort, 
she cannot absolutely shut those little windows 
of the soul. From out of them strays a little 
light that makes her face look wonderfully like 
that of the great marble statue that stands in 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


259 


the temple of the Goddess of Sorrow. And I 
am Prince of Gravas. Yes, despite a father’s 
curse, a brother’s hate, and the Queen’s false- 
ness, I am Prince of Gravas. 

How the people cheer as I rise and walk 
back to my place, and then she rewards some 
others, and the audience is over. 

The Queen descends from the throne and 
passes out. Alcazeda and I leave our stations 
together and pass, side by side, down the hall, 
through the cheering townsmen. In spite of 
my absentmindedness, I cannot help noticing 
the change in his look. Ever since I had 
crushed him, he had gone about with a balked 
look on his face, but now in its place was 
another. I remembered how, during the audi- 
ence, I had seen his sharp eyes turning 
from me to the Queen, and back again. I had 
taken no notice of it at the time, but I remem- 
bered it now. He must be up to some new 
deviltry — well, let him beware. I had spared 
him once, the next time I would crush him. 

Out in the hallway I found Saad awaiting 
me. The good fellow was moved almost to 
tears. I sent him after Lord Zelad. I wished 
to see the latter concerning the disposition of 
the troops ere I left the city. While waiting, I 


26 o 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


was approached by Lord Zelad himself, who 
informed me that the Queen wished to see me. 
I suppose my face betrayed how distasteful 
his news was. I could not conceal it. I had no 
wish to see her. I had saved her throne — she 
was Queen once more. Why could she not let 
things alone? He guessed my ill-disguised 
feelings, and began to look worried. 

“Almar,” he said, taking hold of my one 
hand, “ Almar, last night after you left me alone 
with the Queen in’ your tent, I was with her the 
rest of the night. I do not know what all her 
sins are, Almar, but I know she atoned last 
night for some of them. Go to her lad, and 
remember she is a woman.’' 

Aye, I would remember it. He had better 
have left that unsaid. When she came to me 
with her sudden drooping of the eyelid, the 
falter in the voice, the too ready tear, I would 
remember she was a woman. Aye, and when 
she came with her coquette’s way, her wanton 
caresses, I would remember she was a woman. 
No doubt she thought she had but to look at 
me in the same old way, and she could win me 
back again. She should see. 

I left him and made my way toward her 
apartment. She was not in the one in which 


PRINCE OF GRAY AS 


261 


she usually met me, but in that which had 
the balcony without. It was on that balcony 
she had seen me when she sent me to seize my 
brother’s person long ago. It was in the 
chamber that led to it that I found her. As I 
entered, she was alone, evidently awaiting me. 
She was dressed entirely in black. Even to 
the black fan, made of ebony and magnificent 
black plumes. 

I stood stiffly at the doorway, waiting for 
her to speak. As was her habit when not at 
ease, she was toying with her fan. At last she 
looked up for a moment, and beckoned me to 
approach. I walked over and stood before her. 
Her eyes had fallen again. I felt my lip curl a 
little contemptuously as I looked at her. She 
had lost her assurance already, and could not 
look me in the face. Suddenly I received a 
start. She had looked up. Her face looked 
exactly as it had that morning when it had 
reminded me of the statue in the temple of the 
Goddess of Sorrow. It appeared like marble 
against the black dress, until she saw the look 
of contempt in my own, when the blood ran 
into it, making it a rosy red, but the eyes never 
faltered. They were wide open, looking 
straight into my own. I felt a queer feeling 


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coming- over me. Somehow I had not just 
expected this. Then she spoke : 

“ My lord,” she said, “I have not sent for 
you to listen to my justification.” Still my lip 
curled slightly at her words. I didn’t mean to 
hurt her, it was involuntary, I couldn’t help it. 
She saw it, saw that I no longer believed her, 
and her eyes fell. The blush deepened, and I 
saw her lips pursed tightly to hide her feelings, 
nevertheless she went on resolutely, though her 
eyes were still averted. “I have none to make. 
I have sinned, and I am willing to suffer. But 
it is not that which caused me to send for you. 
I am in trouble, and I need help.” She stopped 
speaking, and took a deep breath, as if the 
effort to go on was trying. 

“ Help,” I said to myself, “ what can she 
mean ? ” 

She resumed speaking, still looking down. 
“ Alcazeda has asked to see me. You know I 
— I promised him, if he deserted your brother, 
I would marry him. He sent a messenger to 
me before, asking for an interview.” 

I started. So that was the old rascal’s 
game. Now I understood why he had watched 
us so closely during the audience. He had 
guessed my feelings, and counted on the 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


263 


Queen’s acceptance of his offer. The wily old 
fox ! However, I could afford to despise him 
even though the Queen did marry him, so I 
merely said carelessly: “Well, why dont you 
marry him ? ” My answer cut her deeply. She 
had been watching me while I had been think- 
ing, and I saw her start as if she had been struck. 
It was some moments ere she recovered con- 
trol of herself. Tears sprang to her eyes in 
spite of her efforts to keep them away. 

I was touched. The look of contempt left 
my face, and a frown took its place. Certainly 
I was perplexed. 

She rose and came toward me. She raised 
her hand as if to touch my arm, but drew back, 
and, instead, kept playing nervously with my 
sleeve. For a few moments she acted as if she 
did not know what to say. At last, she glanced 
up at me in a helpless, half-frightened way. 
Then, as if she had made up her mind to speak, 
she turned her face toward me. She was 
trembling and very nervous. 

“ Almar, I — 1 do love you, though I can’t 
help it.” 

I shut my jaws tightly, and she hurried 
on. 

“1 don’t expect you to love me — I know I 


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PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


have no right to it, Almar, but she falt- 

ered on, “ do not deal unkindly with me. I am 
only a woman, and it is so hard.'* A plague on 
my weakness ! “ See,” she went on, making a 

pathetic attempt to be dignified, “I am a 
Queen, and it is not right that I should shame 
myself, but will you not help me ? ” What 
could I do ? 

“What am I to do,” I asked. She still kept 
plucking nervously at my sleeve. 

“Why,” she answered doubtfully, “just 
stay near me and help me.” This was getting 
worse and worse. I bit my lip. She saw me. 

“ It is so hard to be a Queen,” she pleaded. 
I took her by the shoulders and looked squarely 
at her. 

“ Hosyra,” I demanded, excitedly, “tell me 
the truth. Why did you betray me ?” As I 
began to speak, she gave a little shudder, and 
a kind of frightened look came over her face, 
as if the question she had been expecting had 
come at last. 

“ Because,” she said, looking down, “ I 
thought you were going to betray me. When 
you came to me with such a story that you 
were going all alone to kill your brother in the 
midst of his whole army-, it sounded so foolish. 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


265 


that I thought it was only a clumsy attempt to 
hide your real reason. The thought that you, 
too, were going to desert me, frightened me so 
that I didn’t know what to do. But,” she went 
on, “ if I did wrong you, you made me suffer for 
it ; for that night in the tent, when I lifted your 
cloak, and saw your face instead of Gregar’s, I 
thought some one had killed me. And when I 
saw you go out of the tent, and leave me, it 
seemed as if my life was going out with you. 
Besides,” she went on, desperately, looking up 
in a half-defiant way, ‘T would rather have you 
dead than false to me.” 

I tried to look into her eyes and read her 
heart — to know if she spoke the truth. My 
own heart was beating rapidly, and she, seeing 
my challenge, took it up and returned my gaze 
so fearlessly and steadily that I dropped my 
eyes and released her, saying, “ I will stay near 
you and help you.” 

She half-sobbed a little laugh, and taking 
my hand, pressed it to her lips. And I — I don’t 
know how I felt, except that I wanted to go 
away and think. It was so sudden, so unex- 
pected, it overwhelmed and confused me. I 
turned as if to go, and she made a step toward 
me, but stopped quickly. Our eyes met. A 


266 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


gentle blush came over her face, and she locked 
down. There was a short pause. 

“ Almar,” she said, timidly. 

-Well?’’ I asked. 

“ Won’t you — kiss me ? ” 

I could see the rosy tint creeping down over 
the white breast. I stepped forward, and took 
her head between my hands, and looked once 
more into her eyes — I don’t know what I read 
there, but I kissed her. 

Then I went away, and wandered about the 
palace, and tried to think, but I couldn’t think. 
Only I was happy. By and by Lord Zelad found 
me, after he had hunted me all over the palace, 
and he proceeded to arraign me. He tried to 
prove to my satisfaction that unless I married the 
Queen, the country would be in great danger — 
he argued, coaxed, and threatened alternately, 
until at last, simply to get rid of him, I agreed ; 
and later, he came back and told me that the 
wedding would be that very afternoon, and it 
had been proclaimed all over the city, and I let 
him lead me off. They dressed me in fine 
robes, and just as the sun was setting, they 
finally led me into the great audience chamber, 
and there we were married. 

The nobles came and swore allegiance to 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


267 


me as their king, and the people cheered and 
threw their hats about, and Hosyra stood by 
me, looking so proud and so happy that, had 
it not been unqueenly, I believe she would have 
laughed and wept together. 

It was all over, and everybody was happy, 
all except old Alcazeda. I think I would have 
laughed at his discomfiture if the old fellow had 
not looked so miserable when he came up to 
swear allegiance. But I had drawn his sting, 
and he was helpless. As was the custom when 
a king was crowned, I had to ride around to 
the several gates of the city and receive the 
keys from the governor of the town. I bade 
Hosyra farewell. She kissed me, and told me 
she would await me in her chamber, and I 
rode off. 

The streets were crowded with a joyous 
crowd, and I couldn’t help feeling happy. I 
bowed and nodded to them, and they cheered 
and threw flowers before me, and everybody 
was happy. The whole court, that is, the nobles 
and their retainers, rode after me. They were 
richly dressed, and carried their banners ; it 
was a joyotis occasion. As we rode toward the 
palace again from the last gate, the moon rose. 

At last, we reached the palace door. I 


268 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


dismounted, and dismissed my retinue. Fol- 
lowed by Saad, I entered and proceeded to my 
chamber. I refreshed myself with a bath, and 
Saad dressed me in fresh garments. The 
Queen’s chamber was in a different part of the 
palace than where mine was, and to reach it I 
would have to cross an open balcony. With a 
beating heart I set out. I reached the balcony. 
I stopped for a moment to look. 

The palace garden lay before me, and was 
overlooked by the balcony. The bright twink- 
ling stars covered the heavens, and the full 
moon was shedding a silvery light all around. 
A nightingale began a song in the garden. I 
marveled it should sound so sweetly, and lo ! 
another took it up, and the two filled the night 
with exquisite music. Life was very sweet, 
after all. 

Hark, what is that ? Some one has suddenly 
raised her voice in song, and the sweet tones 
ring out upon the night air like a chime of 
silver bells. It is a love song — it comes from 
quite near. I reflect. It must be the Queen’s 
chamber. The voice sounds familiar — I listen ; 
yes, it is Hosyra’s. I know it, though I had 
never yet heard it in song. How passionately 
it rings out ! It tells of a youth who had trav- 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


269 


ersed the earth for a rich gem, and who 
searched and traveled, and found it not till he 
found it at last in the heart of a maid. The 
theme was simple, but the singer’s voice told of 
great happiness. I listened as the last notes 
died away, and only the sound of music, sweet 
string music, was wafted to me. It, too, had 
love for its theme. Everything sang of love 
to-night, even the birds. 

Hosyra ! How I loved her — loved her for 
the queenly glance of her eye — the proud poise 
of her head — loved her because she was mine, 
my wife, my dream ! And I was going to her, 
to her bridal chamber. 

What was that ? I turned — as I did so, 
something struck me upon the head. I fell to 
my knees. I saw several forms around me. 

“ Make sure,” hissed a low voice, “ strike 
again.” I recognized it ; it was Alcazeda’s, the 
traitor. With a mighty effort I rose and sprang 
upon him. He saw me, and tried to flee, but I 
caught him by the throat, and dashed his head 
against the wall so that the brains bespattered 
it. I got another blow upon the head — I sank 
down — a strange sleepiness coming over me. 
I heard a nightingale singing, it sounded so 
sweetly, and then — Hosyra ! She was singing 


270 


PRINCE OF GRAVAS 


again. Aye* — louder my love, I am coming — 

my pearl, my queen, I — I 

What strange pains I felt. Was this dying? 
I could not say. I listened. I could hear noth- 
ing, and yet I felt as if I were alive. I tried to 
raise my head, and with an effort I succeeded. 
I opened my eyes. The room was dimly lit, 
and filled with a very musky odor. The light 
came through an aperture in the blinds. There 
on the right was my bookcase. With a shudder 
I remembered all. The mummy. I looked 
before me. Only a pile of dust lay where it 
had reclined. I ran to the door, and threw it 
open, and let in the light, and the fresh air. It 
was near evening. My ! what a heavy clap of 
thunder that was ! I declare, it quite startled 
me. How the wind roars. I am afraid that I 
have become very nervous, and will be for some 
time. Why ! it is past midnight. Wilhelm, 
bring the lights, and fill up the glasses once 
more. Gentlemen, your health. Good-night. 


THE END. 


J 













